The legend of Barcelona, Rivaldo, urged Arthur to remain at the club in the midst of reports linking him to a move to Juventus.
It is known that the Italian champions have established the 23-year-old as a potential transfer this summer and are keen to see him included in the swap deal, in exchange for giving away Miralem Pjanic to Barcelona.
However, Melo is unwilling to leave Barcelona and Rivaldo is optimistic that his countryman has what it takes to become a regular first-time team member at Camp Nou.
“Rumours are circulating that Barcelona might be interested in signing Miralem Pjanic from Juventus, and despite being a good player, I believe the club should focus more on the present and on what is still to play for in LaLiga this season,” Rivaldo wrote for Betfair.
“There will be time to think about transfers, especially because some must leave before others come in, and the club need to ensure they don’t create a squad that’s too big and leave some players without the chance to play.”
Arthur made 23 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring four goals and creating four more. About his future, Rivaldo says:
“Juventus seem interested in a potential exchange of Pjanic for Arthur Melo and of course I think the Brazilian would be a great signing for the Italians as he is a world-class player. Anyway, I still think Arthur should remain at Barcelona as he is young and arrived recently at the club. Soon he will confirm his place in the first team and start to fulfil his potential.”
