OFFICIAL: Barcelona Make Midfielder Transfer Announcement

Deals need not wait until the opening of transfer windows in order to see through to fruition. In fact, more often than not, especially in the case of young and upcoming talents, an agreement is met over a transfer months in advance.

Now, a similar phenomenon has been achieved by Barcelona, as they are set to welcome another talent of immense potential into their roster.

A statement on their official website confirmed that Arthur Henrique Ramos de Oliveira Melo from Brazilian club Grêmio de Porto Alegre has agreed a deal with the Spanish club.

The official statement went on to read: “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.”

Renowned for his passing ability, the 21-year-old has already drawn comparisons with Andres Iniesta, and could very well be the long-term replacement for the veteran Spaniard.

The finding may prove to be a gem of a talent by the Barcelona scouting system, as the player is yet to emerge openly onto the radar of Brazilian football, particularly in the senior national sides. However, ace performances ensuring that his club won the Copa Libertadores in 2017 have been noteworthy.

It will be interesting to see how he will fare on the grandest stages of world football should Barcelona elect to make the purchase in the summer, which they most likely will.