'Marca': Barca send representatives to seal Arthur move

With Yerry Mina and Philippe Coutinho already secured this January, 'Los Cules' want to finalise the deal for their last target, Gremio's Arthur, before deadline day on Wednesday. 

In an attempt to speed up the process, the Barcelona board have reportedly sent representatives to Brazil. It shows how much the Catalan club want the 21-year-old midfielder in their squad, who are facing competition from other European elite for his signature.

However, even if the deal does go through, Arthur will probably stay at the Porto Alegre club until the summer or maybe the start of 2019 with the Brazilian football calender operating differently to that of Spain's. 

Arthur was pivotal in his club's Copa Libertadores victory in November, the first time Gremio have won the competition since 1995, making 50 appearances this season, scoring twice.