La Liga: Barcelona confirm option to sign 21-year-old midfielder Arthur from Brazilian side Gremio in July

Barcelona: Barcelona have reached an agreement with Brazilian club Gremio to sign Arthur, a 21-year old midfielder. [caption id=“attachment_4386477” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Gremio’s Arthur. Credit: Barcelona[/caption] The Spanish club said in a statement on Sunday that they can activate an option to sign Arthur in July by paying a basic 30 million euros ($36.9mn) plus 9mn in add-ons. Earlier Spanish media reports had suggested Arthur would join next winter, after the South American campaign. The deal follows a sustained courtship Arthur helped propel Gremio to the final of the Copa Libertadores last year and was impressive as they beat Lanus of Argentina, 3-1, on aggregate in the final. He did not finish the second leg, limping off in the second half with a torn ankle ligament. The injury meant Arthur missed the Club World Cup in December. He will join compatriots Phillipe Coutinho and Paulinho in the Barcelona midfield.