€30m Arthur ‘nervous’ over Barcelona transfer talks

Arthur Melo has confirmed transfer talks are taking place between his club Gremio and Barcelona and he is “nervous” over the outcome.

Mundo Deportivo claimed Arthur was a target for Barcelona with a €30million deal being worked on for January 2019 (the end of the Brazilian season) with an announcement close to being made.

And now Arthur has confirmed that talks are underway with the La Liga giants after representatives of the Brazilian club flew to Barcelona on Monday tom hold talks with Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez.

“Of course I am nervous,” Arthur said.

“It’s normal to feel anxiety – this is a really important moment. But between me, Gremio and Barcelona, I am sure that there’s going to be an agreement which benefits everyone, that’s the important thing.

“I speak daily with my agent and with everyone at Gremio, but I still don’t know the result of the negotiations.”

The 21-year-old central midfielder, who is contracted until 2021, has planned to take Spanish lessons, but he saus he will not start the lessons until the transfer is resolved.

“I’ve not started a course yet because there’s nothing signed,” said Arthur. “Until Gremio say there’s a good deal for them and for me, I will remain focused on my current team.

“I am grateful to Gremio because they invested and bet on me, so with my transfer I feel obliged to help them with their financial difficulties. I have insisted that Gremio be well remunerated.

“If everything goes through, it will be good for Gremio and everyone involved.”