Barca beat Man United, Chelsea to £35.2m midfielder

Barcelona have beat Manchester United to the signing of Brazilian midfielder Arthur, according to the Daily Mail.

Barca have courted the Gremio midfielder over the last year, reportedly angering his club as to the aggressive nature of their pursuit.

But the Mail claim that Barca have ‘fended off late interest’ from United and Chelsea to agree a deal to sign the 21-year-old.

The move will be completed on January 2019, and is worth £35.2million.

Chelsea are reported to have ‘followed’ the progress of Arthur, but it was United who took a ‘greater interest’. Jose Mourinho has prioritised the addition of at least one central midfielder to his squad in the summer, and Arthur was seen as an ideal candidate.

The player had his heart set on a move to Spain however, where he will link up with compatriot Philippe Coutinho.

Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez flew into Brazil over the weekend to conclude talks.

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