Chelsea in five way battle for Brazilian anchor man with €50m buyout clause

Chelsea and four other teams have made their interest known to Gremio about signing midfielder Arthur, according to Globo Esporte.

The Blues’ interest, as well as Barcelona’s is well documented, but the Brazilian website believe Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also involved in the battle to sign the 21 year old.

No bids have yet been made, but it is believed there has been a meeting between Barca officials and Gremio on at least one occasion. Chelsea and the three other teams have yet to open talks with the Brazilian club.

Arthur has a release clause of €50m and it seems Gremio will be holding out for that figure. The Copa Libertadores winners own 60% of the player’s rights, with 20% owned by the player’s family and 20% owned by an investor Celso Rigo.

Gremio want €30m  for the Brazilian, according to Globo, and some basic maths (30 / 0.6) demonstrates that the full €50m will be required to secure the midfielder’s signature. There is believed to be some wriggle room in terms of the player’s family’s own shares, that could reduce the figure by up to €10m if they waive all their ownership rights. Still, Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports Barca are only prepared to offer €25m which will give Chelsea and other teams the chance to trump them with higher bids.