Chelsea enter race for Gremio ace Arthur despite Barcelona leading chase after sneaky shirt trick
Copa Libertadores winner was pictured in Barca shirt while cosying up to a Nou Camp exec and his club is fuming.
CHELSEA are lining up a Cesc Fabregas replacement in £44million Gremio midfielder Arthur – if they can hold of Barcelona - according to reports.
The 21-year-old Brazilian playmaker has been earning rave reviews as an heir to Barca legends Xavi and Iniesta.
The schemer was named Man of the Match last week in in Copa Libertadores final his side won for the first time in 22 years.
And, according to , his burgeoning reputation has alerted bosses at Stamford Bridge and Camp Nou who feel he could revitalise their midfields.
Chelsea might even have an advantage in the negotiations as Gremio are fuming with Barcelona for pulling one of their infamous transfer tricks.
Arthur was pictured with Barca executive Andre Curry last week - wearing their famous blue and red shirt.
Cury has also been accused of wining and dining Arthur’s entourage in a bid to curry favour.
The playmaker did his best to appease the situation but stoked the row by revealing he had been approached by the cub.
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Arthur said: “On the Barcelona matter, they did speak with me.
“We had a meeting but I want to say nothing is final.
“Nothing has been decided and I did not sign anything. I am a Gremio player.”
Gremio president Romildo Bolzan took a firm stance over the promising midfielder.
He told : “Arthur has a contract with Gremio and a release clause of £44m.
“If they pay that we can’t do anything but there is no conversation or negotiations open.”