Arthur Melo Reiterates Desire to Stay With Barcelona But Club 'Open' to Sale
By Tom Gott
Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo has again insisted that he wants to stay at Camp Nou this summer, but the club are thought to be open to letting him go if the right offer arrives.
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona in the coming months, with Inter, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur all believed to be keen on recruiting him.
He recently insisted that his 'time at Barça has not ended', but that has not stopped the rumours. So, in an attempt to distance himself from the stories, Arthur again admitted (via Sport) that he sees himself staying at Camp Nou for many years.
"There is always speculation but my idea is clear," he said. "The only option that interests me is staying at Barcelona.
"I feel good here and I am grateful to the club and the coaching staff for the confidence they have in me. That is another reason to be totally clear on the fact my only desire is to remain here.
"The supposed interest of big clubs is always flattering and a positive sign, but my mind is on playing for Barcelona for many years. Barça is where I have always wanted to be and I want to be here for a long time.
"Every day I feel more comfortable in the team, at the club and in the city. I also love the people and the culture here and I feel the support of the fans.
"I am 100% focused on working hard and returning to action as soon as possible because I am excited to keep on growing here and to fight for more titles with Barça."
The latest gossip on Arthur's future is that Juventus are in 'advanced negotiations' to land the Brazilian, with any of Miralem Pjanić, Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Bernardeschi tipped to move in the opposite direction.
That report suggested that Barcelona were open to letting Arthur go if the right offer arrived, and that's a stance which is also taken by ESPN, who state that either a traditional sale or a player exchange could be possible.
Barcelona value Arthur at around €60m and a sale has not been ruled out as they look to fund moves for both Lautaro Martínez and Neymar, with everyone apart from Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong and Marc-André ter Stegen thought to be available for the right price.
However, a source close to Arthur is quoted as saying that the midfielder is convinced he won't be leaving as Barcelona have never even mentioned the idea of a transfer.
"If Barça had told him he can speak with other clubs it would be because they don't want him, but that's not happened and Arthur is 100% convinced he will continue where he is," the source said.
"He is at the best club in the world and a move to [Juventus] in Italy is not in his plans. He wants to stay where he is and Barça have said they're counting on him."