Barcelona eye Brazilian starlet, Man United pursue Joao Mario deal

Sport360 staff 15:48 07/12/2017
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  • Expect Gremio's Arthur to be suiting up for Barcelona soon.

    The transfer window is closed until January but that doesn’t keep the rumour mill churning as clubs look to get a leg up on potential transfers.

    Here are three big stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts via Twitter and Facebook.

    BARCELONA TARGET LIKELY TO LEAVE GREMIO

    Arthur Melo, the young Brazilian midfielder, is likely to leave his club soon, according to coach Renato Gaucho. The Gremio prodigy has been linked with Barcelona, and Gaucho says it’s unlikely Arthur will stay at the club. Arthur was recently spotted wearing a Barcelona shirt, and a move could be imminent.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT:

    Barcelona will always be a draw for young South American talent, after the success of Neymar and Lionel Messi, and it’s no surprise that Arthur sees himself playing for the Spanish giants. The 21-year-old has caught the eye with his performances for Gremio, and Barcelona’s interest has long been reported. With Andres Iniesta nearing the end of his career, Barcelona need a successor in midfield, and Arthur seems to fit the bill. Barcelona have stolen a march on their rivals in the pursuit of the young Brazilian, and Gremio seem resigned to losing the player, so this deal could happen soon.

    Arthur looks set to move to Barcelona.

    Arthur looks set to move to Barcelona.

    MAN UNITED LOOKING AT SWAP DEAL FOR JOAO MARIO

    Corriere dello Sport claims Manchester United are looking to land Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario, who has impressed for the Italian giants and current Serie A leaders. United are prepared to swap Juan Mata for the Portuguese, although Inter would reportedly rather have Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

    RATING: 6/10

    VERDICT: 

    Jose Mourinho has been looking to add depth to his midfield after seeing several of his players in that position get injured this season, with United keenly feeling the impact of Paul Pogba‘s injury-enforced absence earlier this campaign. Joao Mario is not the same type of player, but he’s skillful, composed on the ball, and an accomplished passer, with a better eye for attacking play than any of United’s midfielders bar Pogba. It’s no surprise United are interested.

    What is surprising is that they’d be willing to offload Mata – and, that Inter wouldn’t take him. The Spaniard has been left on the bench for recent United games on occasion but is still a valuable part of the squad, whereas Mkhitaryan, whom Inter reportedly prefer, has suffered a loss of form and confidence. Mata also seems like the player who’s more likely to succeed in Italy, although Mkhitaryan’s pace gives him an advantage. If it does come down to negotiating over which player to part with, United would likely accept letting go of Mkhitaryan in order to land Mario.

    Joao Mario: the answer to United's struggles in midfield?

    Joao Mario: the answer to United’s struggles in midfield?

    CHELSEA GIVEN HAZARD WARNING

    Former Chelsea star Michael Essien has warned the club in an interview with Goal.com that they need to prioritise securing Eden Hazard on a long-term contract to ward off interest from potential suitors. The Belgian star has been linked with Real Madrid on multiple occasions over the last couple of years, and those links have surfaced again after Hazard’s stunning recent form for Chelsea.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    It’s hard to see Hazard staying at Chelsea long-term, whatever contract he may end up signing. The admiration between him and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is mutual, and Hazard has never shied away from accepting that his future may lie away from Chelsea.

    If Hazard’s form this season continues, or gets even better, and then he goes to Russia and stars for Belgium at the World Cup, it may force Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s hand. It’s hard to see Madrid being denied once their interest in Hazard leads to a concrete offer, even if Chelsea are prepared to hold out for as long as possible.

    Eden Hazard could be celebrating goals for Real Madrid next season.

    Eden Hazard could be celebrating goals for Real Madrid next season.

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