Gremio star Arthur has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time but the Blues are at risk of missing out on the midfielder as Barcelona consider a late window swoop for the playmaker.
Barcelona are reportedly exploring a deal to sign the 21-year-old this month but loaning him back to Gremio immediately with a view to the player returning to the Nou Camp in 2019.
Gremio president Romildo Bolzan has insisted he would not sell Arthur for less than his release clause, which stands at £44m, amid interest from the likes of the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in addition to Barcelona.
Antonio Conte remains keen to add to his Chelsea squad before Wednesday’s transfer deadline but it’s up in the air whether the Blues can compete with Barcelona for Arthur this month with their priorities being a new left-back and a new striker before the window closes.
