Barcelona news: Gremio star Arthur has agreed to sign for the Catalan giants
Barcelona have turned their attention to Gremio star Arthur with a deal for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho looking increasingly unlikely.
Ernesto Valverde’s side spent the summer pursuing Coutinho to no avail, with the Reds turning down three bids for their star asset.
Barcelona continue to be linked with Coutinho but reports have claimed Valverde is ready to pursue other targets instead.
And Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has said that, though Arthur has an agreement with the Catalan club, more details need ironing out.
“Arthur has got an agreement with Barcelona, but that needs to be confirmed in an agreement with Gremio, who are demanding the midfielder’s £44m (€50m) buy-out clause be met,” he told Sky Sports.
“Barca will negotiate with Gremio at the right time because they want the player but they don’t want to pay that hefty figure.”
Another player being linked with Barcelona is Antoine Griezmann.
The France international is being tipped to sign as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez.
Suarez, with just five goals all season, may be shown the door by Valverde at the end of the campaign.
And Balague says Barcelona are spearheading a race for Griezmann along with Manchester United.
“Griezmann will stay at Atletico Madrid in the New Year but Atleti are working on the assumption he is leaving next season,” he added.
'Is that Barcelona?' Coutinho interview interrupted
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“Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid want him.
“I don’t think he has agreed anything with any club yet.
“Atletico have spoken to Barcelona about Griezmann but, again, nothing has been agreed.
“The destination will be decided by Griezmann and Griezmann alone.
“He is open to all of those possibilities. At this moment in time, I feel Manchester United are Barcelona are ahead of the other suitors.”