Chelsea are looking to rival Barcelona’s interest in Brazilian midfielder Arthur.
Arthur,21, currently plays for Gremio in Brazil and at such a young age he is already being compared to the likes of Xavi and Iniesta due to his versatility and one-touch passing. A series of top European clubs are said to be in pursuit of the player but Barcelona are certainly at the top of the heap.
Arthur was recently seen wearing a Barcelona jersey and if reports are to be believed then Gremio are not happy with how the Catalans have approached the player. As a result of this, the Brazilian outfit have refused to do business with Valverde’s side.
And Chelsea are hoping to capitalise on this as they want Arthur to be the long-term replacement for Cesc Fabregas in central midfield. The 21-year-old has a release clause of £44 million which the Blues will be more than happy to pay given the fact that Gremio can wade of the Barcelona interest.
Multiple reports are claiming that Gremio are furious with the way that Barcelona have approached the player and they have refused to hear any kind of offers from the La Liga. This certainly puts Chelsea in a bit of an advantageous situation but if Arthur himself pushes for a move to Spain then his current club will have no other option but to accept the move.
