Barcelo in talks for Brazilian midfielder Arthur

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 29: Barcelo have begun talks to sign highly rated Gremio central midfielder Arthur Melo, the Brazilian club said. The 21-year-old was linked with Barcelo last month after being photographed wearing a Blaugra shirt following a meeting with the Spanish club’s officials. Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the Brazilian. “We have started discussions,” Gremio football director Andre Zanotta told Esporte Interativo. “We have known about Barcelo’s interest in Arthur for some time and they have formalized their interest. We’ve already had a meeting but we are only talking at this stage and still a long way off an agreement.”

Zanotta said that any deal would not take effect until at least July as Gremio seek to utilise the playmaker during the Copa Libertadores group phase. IANS