Chelsea could take advantage of a faux pas by Barcelona to swoop for one of South America’s hottest talents.
Gremio’s Arthur is fresh from winning the Copa Libertadores, and has attracted attention from all over Europe, including Barcelona. They arranged a photo opportunity of the 21 year old wearing their shirt a week ago.
This has infuriated the player’s club, and may make them more inclined to sell the talent to one of his other suitors.
He has a release clause of £44m according to the Daily Mirror, a sum which is pretty hefty for a youngster but not out of Chelsea’s price range by any means.
Apparently his passing ability makes him potentially the “new Cesc Fabregas”, and the midfielder won man of the match as his side beat Lanus of Argentina over two legs to secure their first Libertadores trophy in 22 years.
While international clearance may be an issue, the fact that he was called up by Brazil coach Tite for games in September indicates he’s very close to a Brazil cap which should make a European move simple.