Reports: 21-year-old star agrees deal to join Barcelona

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Barcelona might be adding another name to their ranks in the January transfer window

What's the rumour?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo has agreed a deal to join Barcelona. The highly rated 21-year-old caught everyone's attention with his impressive performances for Gremio and now personal terms have reportedly been agreed between the player and Barcelona.

The Catalan giants will now have to agree a transfer fee with Gremio who want Arthur's €50 million release clause to be paid. According to the report, Barcelona want to tie up the deal for a mere €25 million and negotiations are underway to complete the deal as soon as possible.

In case you didn't know...

Arthur has been very impressive for Gremio this season

A versatile player capable of playing as a defensive and central midfielder, Arthur is skilled on the ball and is also a gifted passer. Still only 21, the Brazilian is blessed with immense potential.

Already one of Gremio's most important players, Arthur has made 40 appearances this season and has quickly become one of Brazil's most talked about youngsters due to his impressive performances.

The heart of the matter

Barcelona have been busy in the January transfer window having already signed the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina. Arthur could be next on the list although the report in Mundo Deportivo claims that the Brazilian could be allowed to spend another season on loan at Gremio.

Arthur has been so good this season that the Brazilian manager Tite himself praised the youngster. Speaking in November, the Brazilian manager who saw the game between Gremio and Botafogo said:

“When I went to the game, I wanted to see the atmosphere,” said Tite.

“The emotional side, the pressure of it all, where you could size up the environment in which the kid was playing so naturally. I cannot close doors to a player in a team where he is so important despite his age.”

With Arthur tipped to achieve great things, Barcelona will be looking to tie up the deal as soon as possible.

Rumour rating/probability

8/10

The Brazilian has long been linked with a move to Barcelona and with reports of him agreeing a deal to join the Catalan giants gathering pace, we might just see the 21-year-old in a Barcelona shirt in the near future.

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Author's take

Comfortable on the ball and completely suited to Barcelona's style of play, Arthur Melo could prove to be an absolute revelation in LaLiga. With the Brazilian's performances turning heads all over the world, Barcelona should go all out in their efforts to sign the talented 21-year-old.

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