Barcelona signs Arthur Melo from Gremio

FC Barcelona have completed their first signing of the summer.

Arthur Melo has long been speculated with a move to Barcelona, and the club confirmed his move earlier today. Barcelona, on their official website, announced the signing of the Brazilian.

It was earlier reported by many Spanish outlets that a deal had been agreed in March between Arthur and Barcelona, but he will move to the club in 2019-20. However, Barcelona stated on their website that the player will “immediately join the squad.”

“FC Barcelona and Gremio de Porto Alegre have agreed the transfer of the player Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo, following the agreement the two clubs reached in March. The agreement will see the Brazilian player immediately join the squad,” a press release from Barca’s website stated.

The Brazilian arrives at Barcelona in a €31m deal, with €9m as variables. Arthur Melo has joined the club on a six-year deal, with a release clause of €400m.

“The schedule for the presentation of Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo as a new first team player will be announced shortly,” stated the club website.

Arthur Melo made 66 appearances for Gremio during his time at the Brazilian club, ever since making his league debut in 2016.

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.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s manager Ernesto Valverde is assisted by Eric Abidal, Ramon Planes and Pep Segura, who together are working on identifying the transfer targets for the summer.