Barcelona agrees to €30M purchase option for Gremio's Arthur

Barcelona has won the right to sign promising Gremio midfielder Arthur after agreeing to an option to buy the 21-year-old for an initial €30 million.

The Catalan side announced on Sunday it can trigger the clause in July, with up to €9 million payable in potential add-ons.

Arthur would become the third Brazilian to join Barcelona after Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho.

Sunday's news is the culmination of a drawn-out negotiation process. Rumours of a move picked up steam toward the end of 2017, with Barcelona reportedly sending club officials to South America to monitor Arthur's progress. It was perfect timing, as the midfielder's dominant performances helped Gremio win the Copa Libertadores.

Barcelona seemed to build up Arthur as a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta, who has struggled with injury over the past two seasons.

"Arthur is a midfielder who is known for his passing ability," read the club's statement. "Another of his qualities is his ability to lose his man, a factor that makes him a danger close to the opponents' area. The Brazilian is excellent at protecting the ball and can come up with the final pass in the final third."

Although he's yet to make his debut for the Brazilian national team, he's received a call-up to the senior squad for the Selecao's final two World Cup qualifiers. There's hope head coach Tite will bring Arthur with him to Russia.