BARCELONA have agreed an option worth up to £34million to sign Arthur from Gremio in the summer.
The Brazilian, 21, has been a long-term target for the Catalans following an impressive Copa Libertadores campaign last term.
And the club have confirmed an agreement has been reached, and they have the option to sign him for £26m plus £8m in add-ons in July.
This is a complicated transfer as Barcelona currently do not have space to register any more non-EU players following the signings of Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina.
But it is not yet confirmed whether he will take up that option.
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Notable Barca Brazilians
Romario: 1993-95
PART of Johan Cruyff’s famed Dream Team, he won a La Liga title and spearheaded the Catalans to the 1994 Champions League final.
Ronaldo: 1996-97
JOINED for world record fee and won scored winner in Cup Winners’ Cup final before joining Inter for another world record fee. Won Ballon d’Or.
Rivaldo: 1997-2002
BALLON D’OR-WINNER in 1999 and scorer of one of most famous late winners ever, with overhead kick against Valencia in 2001.
Ronaldinho: 2003-08
SUPERSTAR who lit up the world of football and led the club to Champions League success in 2006, having won the Ballon d’Or a year earlier.
Dani Alves: 2008-16
ONE of the best right-backs in recent times, and still going strong at PSG.
This deal looked in jeopardy shortly after news first eminated of Barcelona’s interest in Arthur.
Gremio reported the Catalans to Fifa for tapping up after he was pictured in a club shirt.
NOU BALANCE Lionel Messi insists Barcelona are ‘better off’ without Neymar
Their opening offer of £22m had been considered well below the Brazilian side’s asking price — and negotiations were prolonged.
Manchester United and Chelsea had also been monitoring the Brazilian’s situation.
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