Barcelona look set to announce Arthur Melo on July 1.
The Catalan giants agreed a deal to sign Brazilian star Arthur Melo from Gremio as early as in March. According to the initial deal, Arthur Melo was due to arrive at FC Barcelona in the January transfer window. However, recent developments suggest that the Brazilian youngster could join the Spanish giants this summer.
According to Sport, Barcelona and Gremio set up talks in Porto Alegre, and have agreed for a transfer to go through this summer. Sport also reports that a new agreement will be signed soon, and Arthur will join Barcelona on July 1.
This is the date when Barcelona officially starts their account for 2018-19 season.
Sport claims that Arthur insisted on joining Barcelona this summer, which proved to be the boost for the new agreement.
Gremio reportedly wanted €30m up front and an extra payment for the move to go through this summer. For Barcelona, Andre Cury, the club’s representative in South America, is handling Arthur’s move.
Meanwhile, at Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde is assisted by Eric Abidal, Ramon Planes and Pep Segura, who together are working on identifying the transfer targets for the summer.
Earlier, Barcelona received a setback when Real Madrid completed the signing of their transfer target Rodrygo, from another Brazilian club Santos. A few days ago, Barcelona also lost Daniel Gudjohnsen, the son of Eidur Gudjohnsen, to Real Madrid’s youth academy.
Arthur Melo has made 66 appearances for Gremio, ever since making his league debut for the club in 2016.
