Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo is said to have dismissed any potential move to Juventus, informing his current club Barcelona that he wishes to stay beyond this summer.
The 23-year-old had been linked with a move to the Italian giants who are looking to add some youth to their ageing midfield.
Arthur left his home country of Brazil to sign with La Blaugrana in a deal worth £27m in 2018, but has been linked with a move away this summer in order for Barcelona to facilitate new signings.
Sky Sports report that a swap deal involving himself and Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic had been explored, but Arthur is not keen on a move away and has expressed his desire to stay in Spain.
Barcelona have been linked with moves for a number of players including Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, but the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic combined with their large squad means that some funds need to be raised by the sales of several first team players.
Sky Sports also reported that Arthur had been discussed in discussions between Barca and Inter over the transfer of Martinez, but again the Brazilian was not interested in a move away from the Nou Camp.
The midfielder has struggled to cement his place in the starting XI at the Catalan club this season, making just 23 appearances in all competitions. He has managed four goals and four assists, however, as he fights to prove his worth in Quique Setien’s side.
With Bayern Munich deciding not to make Philippe Coutinho’s signature permanent, Barcelona face another difficult task in resolving the future of their £130m signing, which looks to be away from Catalunya.
Barca will hope that the global pandemic doesn’t affect transfer business too significantly so that they can offload their players in order to bring in some new star power and challenge on domestic and European fronts next season.
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