Barcelona are close to securing the services of Arthur, Gremio’s president has confirmed.

The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with the Catalan giants since a long time now, but the deal is apparently close to completion now.

After Gremio’s 1-0 win against Sao Paulo, president Romildo Bolzan said: “The topic is on its way to being finished. The documents are not signed yet, but the transfer is reaching the final phase.”

He added, “I think it will be over by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Some things still depend on legal issues. It still requires some care.”

The transfer value could be around €40 million for Barcelona.

If the move happens, Arthur will join a high-quality Barcelona midfield that already includes fellow Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho.