After just two years at Barcelona, Arthur Melo is set to switch Barcelona for Juventus in a swap deal with Miralem Pjanic, according to Fabrizio Romano. The deal will see Barcelona gain much-needed funds. According to Sky Sports, they are set to receive as much as £72.5 million in what could be the most surprising deal of the summer.
REPORT: Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanic Swap Deal Set to Be Finalised
A Recurring Theme at Barcelona
Arthur arrived as the future of the Barcelona midfield; he arrived as a player that would wear the Barcelona colours for years. But, now, he is set to leave at just 23-years-old to make way for an ageing midfielder in Pjanic. From a footballing standpoint, the deal doesn’t make sense.
This isn’t the first time Barcelona have failed to act wisely when it comes to transfers, either. Ousmane Dembele arrived for £135 million only to spend most of his career in the physio room. Just last summer, Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona for £105 million; the Frenchman has scored just eight times in La Liga this season.
In fact, the one piece of business that did look promising was the signing of Arthur; a young, talented midfielder primed to replace Iniesta. But, just two years later, he is the one being shown the exit door to advocate for the arrival of the ageing Miralem Pjanic.
Selling Arthur and receiving £72 million-plus an incoming replacement may seem like good business now, but fast forward two years and Barcelona will be left with a 33-year-old Sergio Busquets and a 32-year-old Pjanic to sit next to Frenkie De Jong in midfield.
A Statement of Intent From Juventus
Juventus, at the opposite end of the deal, will be incredibly pleased with the move. The Serie A Champions are getting a fantastic young midfielder whilst saying goodbye to an ageing one. It is a clear statement of intent from them and perhaps and a message to all of Europe that they are ready to win the Champions League once again. And, with Cristiano Ronaldo and now potentially Arthur at their disposal, anything is possible.
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