Chelsea are keeping a close eye on developments concerning the future of Gremio midfielder, Arthur. It is being reported that the Blues are set to rival Barcelona in pursuit of the Brazilian’s signature. Recent sources claim that the 21-year-old has a £44m release clause and the Blues feel that he can be a long-term successor of Cesc Fabregas.
The midfielder has already been compared with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta in Spain, following his man of the match display for Gremio as they won their first Copa Libertadores title in 22 years. The Brazilian midfielder has made 39 appearances for Gremio this season and was called up by Brazilian coach, Tite in September. However, he’s yet to make his full first-team debut for Brazil.
Chelsea’s biggest stumbling block in pursuit of his signature is Barcelona, who are currently leading the chase. But the Blues might have been handed a boost after Arthur’s current club Gremio was left fuming when their prized asset was pictured wearing a Barcelona shirt while standing alongside one of the Barcelona representatives Andre Cury last week.
It is also being claimed that the midfielder had dinner with Cury in between games when Gremio was battling for the Copa Libertadores which is the Champions League of South America.
Since then, the Brazilian club has labelled the Catalans’ approach as ‘unprecedented’ and are refusing to negotiate with them. It is believed that Barcelona will have to meet his £44m release clause if they are to sign the player now. The Blues have now entered the race with their manager, Antonio Conte keen to lower the average age of his squad.
Cesc Fabregas, who is now 30 years of age will just have a year left on his Chelsea contract following this season and the Blues are thinking about lining up a replacement for him.
When asked about his future, Arthur said: “On the Barcelona matter, they did speak with me. We had a meeting, but I want to say that there’s nothing final. Nothing has been defined and I did not sign anything. I am a Gremio player.”
Gremio vice-president Odorico Roman has confirmed that clubs will need to meet his release clause if they are to sign their highly-rated asset.
He said, “I’d say it’s rare to find midfielders of Arthur’s level in the world right now. There is a €50m release clause, but if a club really wanted to sign him, they’d have to send us a proposal. We would evaluate and decide whether to accept or not.”
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to match his release clause in the race for his signature.
