Midfielder Arthur Melo has confirmed that he intends to stay with Barcelona, but sources have told ESPN that the team is open to listening to midfielder deals or use him as part of a player-exchange contract.
Barca appreciates that Arthur, who signed for €30 million from Gremio in 2018, is now valued at about €60 million and that he has been linked to both Tottenham and Juventus in the last few weeks.
The coronavirus pandemic is likely to affect the transfer market for a long time. Arthur is one of the stars they’d be willing to listen to proposals for, but the player insists this doesn’t plan to abandon Camp Nou this season.
“Speculation still remains but my idea is obvious,” said Arthur in a statement Wednesday. “The only choice that interests me is to remain in Barcelona. I feel comfortable here and I appreciate the team and the coaching staff for their trust in me. Large clubs’ supposed attention is still motivating and a good indicator but for several years my mind is [set on] playing for Barcelona. This is where I always wanted to be.”
A source close to Arthur, whose deal lasts until 2024, also told ESPN that Barcelona assured the player that they are willing him to stay.
