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‘Extraordinary’ Tottenham Hotspur-linked player admired by Lionel Messi speaks out on his future
Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo.
reported last week that Spurs had “moved resolutely” to try and sign the Brazil international, but were facing competition from Inter Milan for his signature.
The also linked Arthur with Juventus, who were reportedly in advanced talks for the 23-year-old to join Maurizio Sarri’s Serie A giants.
However, Arthur has now spoken out about his future, making it clear that he is “totally focused on being here for many years to come” and has no intention of leaving the Camp Nou.
“There’ll always be rumours, but I’m honestly really clear about the fact that the only option I’m interested in is staying at Barcelona,” he is quoted by as saying.
“I’m really sure and relaxed about it. I feel very much at home here and thank the club and the coaching staff for the faith they’ve placed in me. That’s yet another reason that makes me totally certain that all I want to do is stay here.
“The rumoured interest from big clubs is always flattering for anyone – and it’s a good sign – but my mind is totally focused on being here for many years to come.”
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Some recent reports – such as by Gianluca Di Marzio – have suggested that Barcelona are open to selling players this summer due to financial difficulties expected to be brought about by the global health crisis for a lot of football clubs.
However, the £52million-valued maestro (), who joined Barca from Gremio two years ago, always seemed unlikely to be one earmarked for sale, given how much hype there is around him at the club, to the point he’s considered Xavi’s heir.
Quique Setien has deemed him “an extraordinary footballer who understands everything”, Lionel Messi says he’s “very safe and trustworthy” and Xavi thinks he’s “one of those players that we say has the Barca DNA” ().