Gremio don’t want to deal with Barcelona and it has given a chance for Real Madrid to swoop in for Brazilian youngster Arthur

It seems that Arthur’s move to Barcelona is not as sure shot as everyone thought. As Gremio get ready to play Real Madrid on Saturday in the Club World Cup final, they might be looking at a real prospect of seeing one of their best in the opposite colours one day. The 21-year-old midfielder has been the cream of the crop at Gremio along with his partner-in-crime Luan.

Arthur’s talents piqued Barcelona’s interest and the club’s Sporting Director Robert Fernandez flew to Brazil to negotiate a possible deal. During that time, a photo of Arthur in a Barcelona shirt leaked on the internet. This incident seemed to have angered the Gremio officials as they don’t want to deal with the Catalans anymore.

Real Madrid’s interest in Arthur

Marca reports that neither Arthur nor his agent Jorge Machado, have signed any deal with Barcelona. As per reports, Arthur has been well scouted by the Madrid giants. The club seems interested in bringing one of the finest Brazilian talents to Santiago Bernabeu having already bought Vinicius Junior.

As per sources, Madrid has a clear route for the 21-year-old’s signature. Arthur is no way committed to the Catalans. He will decide upon any move on its merit.

MARCA:

Real Madrid enter the race for Gremio starlet Arthur

▪️ The leak of a photo showing Arthur in a Barcelona shirt alongside Barça VP Robert Fernandez infuriated Gremio and they have begun to speak to officials of Real Madrid about signing the Brazilian. pic.twitter.com/48RxkECMNr

— RMadrid Edition (@RMadridEdition) December 15, 2017

Gremio’s unwillingness to sell

The Porto Alegre based side have built the foundation of their recent success upon the strong interplay between Luan and Arthur. Gremio, however, seems to be in a precarious situation now as both of them have earned admiring glances from Europe. While Luan has interested Liverpool and Arsenal, Arthur is now on the radar of El Classico rivals.

In any case, Gremio is demanding any potential suitor to pay up Arthur’s €50 million buyout clause. Such is the financial situation of Brazilian clubs that they regularly have to give up their best talent. The current scenario seems to be no different.

Club Chief Andre Zanotta conceded that the club cannot stop him from leaving but would like to see him play in the club’s colours until 2020. He recognised that finances are more important than emotions in the business and also the club’s anger with Barcelona.

Romildo Bolzan (Grêmio president): "Arthur's photo with Barcelona's shirt? Yes, it was very surprising for me. I was surprised because they knew I was coming to a lunch, but I ended up only with a Barcelona board member who I didn't even know." [marca] pic.twitter.com/3s1FXDTeLe

— BarcaSpiral (@BarcaSpiral) December 15, 2017

Author’s Take

Barcelona has been infamous for player tapping and shady dealings. No wonder a picture of Arthur in Barca’s shirt angered the Gremio officials. Their reluctance to deal with the Blaugrana is completely understandable.

On the other hand, Real Madrid’s reported move for Arthur does not make sense. The Brazilian is a talented playmaker who will get lost in the shuffle at the Bernabeu. Real already have a host of midfielders in their ranks. The likes of Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, Mateo Kovacic do not get anywhere near the game time they deserve. Hogging another player for a similar position just does not make sense other than to spite Barcelona.

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