JUVENTUS are in ‘advanced transfer talks’ to sign Arthur from Barcelona in a blow to Tottenham’s chase for the “next Xavi”.
The 23-year-old talent has been compared to Barcelona’s legendary midfielder and is thought of highly at the club.
Juventus in ‘advanced transfer talks’ to sign Arthur from Barcelona
According to Mundo Deportivo, Juventus are in advanced talks with Barca for the Brazilian ace’s signature.
The midfielder is reportedly willing to depart from the Nou Camp for a decent sum of cash and Juve boss Maurizio Sarri views Arthur as key to developing his football philosophy in Turin.
Juve are said to have made a generous offer given that the midfielder has a fairly low salary, having arrived at the Nou Camp at 21-years-old.
This comes as a major blow to Spurs who have been searching far and wide to sign a midfield prodigy by the summer.
The North Londoners were reportedly willing to offer a player plus cash for the “new Xavi”.
Arthur arrived at the Catalan giants from Brazilian side Gremio in 2018 for £27million.
His contract expires in 2024 and when asked about a move away last week, he said he was keen to stay with the La Liga side for a long time.
The Brazilian’s girlfriend also cast doubt over a move away from Spain by recently starting Catalan lessons.
And boss Quique Seiten is said to highly rate Arthur for his technical ability despite the midfielder only making 12 La Liga starts and scoring three goals this season.
Inter Milan have also been sniffing round the Barca ace and will almost certainly be able to offer the attractive prospect of Champions League football over Spurs next season.
Earlier in the year, Arthur told Italian outlet TuttoSport: “For any player it is a pride that they associate their name with clubs as important and recognised worldwide as Inter, and with a great coach and an impressive squad.
“However, my head is only thinking of Barcelona, I am very comfortable in the club and in the city and I have been a Barça player for many years.”
But Barca are struggling financially amid the coronavirus crisis which may mean they are forced to cash in on the former Gremio man.
The club are thought to be looking to raise enough cash to spend on their other transfer targets and are therefore trying to flog some of their valuable assets.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
