Barcelona has ended their interest on Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo after refusing to meet his release clause. According to recent reports, the 21-year-old midfielder won’t be moving to the Nou Camp as the Catalans are not willing to meet his £45m release clause.
Both clubs were locked in negotiations in recent months and were understood to be close to an agreement. However, some sources are claiming that the La Liga leaders were only prepared to pay £35m for Arthur’s services after embarking on a huge spending spree in the last few transfer periods. This recent development will come as a big blow for the Brazilian, who had previously been photographed wearing the famous Barcelona jersey.
With Arthur’s dream move to the Nou Camp falling through, let’s take a look at three Premier League destinations for him to consider.
Chelsea
The West Londoners have lacked a creative spark from midfield this season which has seen them slump to 5th place in the Premier League table. Tiémoué Bakayoko has failed to live up to the expectations at Stamford Bridge while the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley has often been overlooked by Antonio Conte in recent weeks. The addition of Arthur Melo could provide them with some youthful exuberance in midfield and if he can adapt his game to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League, then the Brazilian has the talent to regularly feature for the Blues next season.
Manchester United
With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season, the Red Devils could be on the lookout for a new midfielder who can compete with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba for a place in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven. They can definitely consider bringing Arthur Melo in on a big-money move to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new campaign. At 21, Arthur has immense potential which he can fulfil at Old Trafford if given the opportunity to showcase his talents in the top tier of English football.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have the likes of Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier vying for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting eleven. A move for Arthur Melo could be a risk worth taking for the North London outfit as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs going into the new campaign. The Brazilian is highly versatile and can play as a holding midfielder as well as in the number 10 position which makes him an ideal fit for Spurs.
