Chelsea and Manchester United are now favourites to sign Gremio midfielder Arthur, according to the Daily Mail columnist Simon Jones.
The Brazilian Under 20 international has been tipped to join Barcelona this month, but it is believed that the Catalan club’s signing of both Philippe Coutinho and centre back Yerry Mina could take them out of the race for the 21 year old.
Arthur has a €50m (£44m) buyout clause which Gremio want prospective buyers to match, but Barca would have to sell some players to make an offer for the midfielder.
It means the door is open for the Blues and United to make their move for the player. Gremio could be prepared to sell for between £30m and £35m, the Daily Mail reports. The two Premier League clubs are said to be weighing up whether to make a bid.
Chelsea may have to move fast if they want to sign Arthur. Globo Esporte say that despite the Mail‘s report, Barcelona remain firmly in the running for the Brazilian, although their first bid will be a great deal less than the midfielder’s release clause.
