Barça and Gremio reach agreement on option for Arthur transfer

FC Barcelona and the Brazilian club Gremio de Porto Alegre have reached an agreement on a purchase option for the player Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo, whereas FC Barcelona may exercise this right on the player's federative rights during July of 2018. In the event that the Club finally exercises the option signed, the price of the transfer is set at €30m plus €9m in variable amounts.

Talent and playmaking in the midfield

Born on 12 August, 1996 in Goiania in Brazil, Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo, better known as simply Arthur, is a talented midfielder who stands out for his passing ability. The player has shown his quality in his home country with Gremio with whom he has won Brazilian Cup and the Copa Libertadores. He has also represented Brazil at U17 and U20 level and has been called up to the full squad on several occasions although he is yet to make his debut alongside the likes of blaugranes Paulino and Coutinho.

Arthur is a midfielder who is known for his passing ability. Another of his qualities is his ability to lose his man, a factor that makes him a danger close to the opponents’ area. The Brazilian is excellent at protecting the ball and can come up with the final pass in the final third.

The Brazilian started his career in 2008 in the youth teams at Goiás Esporte Clube before moving on to Porto Alegre club Gremio in 2010. Arthur made his way to the first team under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Little by little he become a vital figure in the team that won the Copa Libertadores in 2017 in which he was named man of the match in the second leg of the final against Argentine side Lanus.