BARCELONA have agreed an option worth up to £34million to sign Arthur from Gremio in the summer.
The Brazilian, 21, has been a long-term target for the Catalans following an impressive Copa Libertadores campaign last term.
And the club have confirmed an agreement has been reached, and they have the option to sign him for £26m plus £8m in add-ons in July.
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This is a complicated transfer as Barcelona currently do not have space to register any more non-EU players following the signings of Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina.
However, the former Liverpool man has the option to take up Portuguese citizenship, which he qualifies for through his wife Aine.
But it is not yet confirmed whether he will take up that option.
This deal looked in jeopardy shortly after news first eminated of Barcelona’s interest in Arthur.
Gremio reported the Catalans to Fifa for tapping up after he was pictured in a club shirt.
Their opening offer of £22m had been considered well below the Brazilian side’s asking price — and negotiations were prolonged.
Manchester United and Chelsea had also been monitoring the Brazilian’s situation.