ESPN Deportes’ Jordi Blanco has reported that Barcelona and Gremio have agreed to a deal that could be worth around €40 million for Arthur. The sum is inclusive of a €10 million performance-based incentive.
The news comes as little surprise. Barcelona has been making some serious dips into the market in the last couple of windows trying to reinvigorate their aging squad.
Barcelona has shifted to a 4-4-2 under Ernesto Valverde and a deep-lying playmaker in the mold of Arthur would add some technical support to Barcelona’s midfield.
Currently, the squad is overly reliant on Sergio Busquets to control the middle of the park with Ivan Rakitic doing a commendable job when called up to the task.