FC Barcelona beat Man United to signature of quality 21-year-old – report
FC Barcelona have beaten off competition to from Manchester United to sign Brazilian midfielder Arthur, say reports
FC Barcelona have beaten off competition from Manchester United to secure the signature of Brazilian midfielder Arthur, according to reports in the British media.
The Daily Mail is reporting that the Spanish outfit have agreed a deal to land the 21-year-old midfielder from Gremio.
The same report says that a £35.2m deal has been agreed but the midfielder will stay with Gremio until he joins the La Liga giants in December this year and registers in January 2019.
The story says that both Chelsea FC and Manchester United had expressed an interest in signing the Brazilian.
However, it is claimed that it was Manchester United who showed the greater interest in the midfielder as they look for a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick, who will retire at the end of the season.
The midfielder has been out of action with an ankle injury since December but is now back in training.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will now be concentrating on affairs on the pitch as they prepare for their crunch clash against Chelsea FC in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils head into the game in second place in the Premier League table as they chase Champions League qualification under Jose Mourinho.
