Barca sign Arthur as Willian put deal on hold

With the transfer of the young Brazilian to Camp Nou imminent, both clubs are about to close the details shortly. 

The Catalan club will pay  €30M + €9M in variables in other to bring the deal that was supposed to come into effect in January next year forward.

The Gremio playmaker will sign for six seasons and will be presented next week.

Arthur Melo in action for Gremio

The Spanish champions are in dire need of a controller, thus the need to bring the deal forward, even though the initial agreement was for the Brazilian to arrive at the Camp Nou in the winter transfer window.

With the departure of eternal midfield maestro of the club Andre Iniesta, a huge gap has been created in the Barca midfield-a department that was perhaps their strongest point during the glorious era of Pep Guardiola between 2008-2012.

This imminent arrival could bring an end to the club pursuit of Juventus star Pjanic as well as ensuring the exit of either of Paulinho or Yerry Mina who despite a brilliance World Cup is set to be loaned out or sold permanently with Everton and Turkish giants Fernabace already potential suitors.

In other news, Chelsea winger Willian has put on hold reports linking him with a summer switch to the Catalan side.

 "I'm following the rumors linking me to Barça online," Willian said.

It is unclear whether or not a deal will materialize this summer, although the player himself is open to a move to the Spanish side, having grown discontented with the stewardship of Antonio Conte.