Transfer news

Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanić sign contracts to complete swap deal

Barcelona's Arthur Melo (R) and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. (L) competing for the ball, during El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE
Barcelona’s Arthur Melo (R) and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. (L) competing for the ball, during El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE

The saga nears its end, as Arthur Melo has put pen to paper on a contract Sunday evening, thus securing his move to Italian side Juventus.

While Arthur Melo hit the ground running with Barcelona, his time since has been quite turbulent, and an accumulation of events has forced him to move elsewhere.

Barcelona and Juventus have been in talks for some time, where names such as Mattia De Sciglio, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitić, Miralem Pjanić and Arthur Melo have been on the table.

Although the Brazilian midfielder initially was reluctant, and even released a statement further emphasizing his desire to stay in Catalonia, he has ultimately decided to accept Juventus’ offer.

The player flew to Turin Saturday evening after Barcelona’s clash with Celta de Vigo, accompanied by his entourage, lawyers, and Barcelona’s ex-technical secretary, Robert Fernández, who helped facilitate his move to Barcelona.

Medical tests complete

Today, both he and Miralem Pjanić, who will head in the other direction, completed their medicals, and the Brazilian has now, according to Goal, put pen-to-paper on a deal that will tie him to the Turin-based club until 2025.

Miralem Pjanić also went through his medical tests, which were untraditionally held in Juventus’ medical facilities, J Medical, and the move that, per Goal, was expected to be announced hours after Arthur’s signature was done, will be made Monday, according to multiple reports.

The Bosnian has since signed his contract, according to Goal, and is thus set on moving to Barcelona next season.

According to reports, the Bosnian midfielder will sign on a 4-year deal with the Catalans, and both players will continue their current campaign with their respective clubs, before moving to their new clubs at the end of the season.

From Grêmio to Barcelona

Arthur moved from Brazilian side Grêmio, whom he had been with since 2015, to Barcelona, in a move worth 31 million euros including 9 million euros in add-ons.

But now, he will continue his football elsewhere, as he has been convinced by Juventus, and by Barcelona who have been very adamant on signing Miralem Pjanić. According to reports, the Bosnian midfielder will sign on a 4-year deal with the Catalans, and both players will continue their current campaign with their respective clubs, before moving to their new clubs at the end of the season.