Barcelona’s proposed move for Gremio midfielder Arthur has collapsed after parties could not agree on various issues, say reports in Spain.
The player’s agent and an entourage from the Brazilian club reportedly travelled to the Catalan capital this week to conclude a deal, but this has now failed to reach an agreement.
A report in Marca outlines the clubs could not agree on a transfer fee, on a wage for the player and for fees for others involved in the potential deal.
The 21-year-old has made 52 first team appearances for the Brazilian club and was a key part of his side’s squad in their run to the Copa Libertadores.
Last week, Diario AS cited a report in Brazilian outlet UOL which claims Executive Director Andre Zanotta, CEO Carlos Amoedo and lawyer Gabriel Vieira are due to fly to the Catalan capital.
Previous reports in Spain had claimed the Blaugrana’s sporting director Robert Fernandez flew to Brazil to complete the deal, while the player said his move was ‘on track’.
“My move to the club is well on track, but nothing has yet been signed,” Arthur told reporters, as cited by Diario Sport, last month.
Suggestions are that Arthur’s move to the Camp Nou would be for a total of €40m and would be complete in January 2019, although the midfielder’s release clause stands at €50m and it is possible the Brazilian club stood by this value.
The Catalans already have three non-EU players on their books in Yerry Mina (who could be loaned out), Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho, but the former Liverpool player is applying for a Portuguese passport to free up an extra space.
