Gremio starlet Arthur Melo explains Barcelona meeting ahead of potential £44.3m move

Arthur Melo has confirmed that he recently met with Barcelona officials to discuss a potential move to the Nou Camp but the Gremio starlet made it clear that he is yet to sign any deal to join Ernesto Valverde's side.

The 21-year-old is one of the next big things to emerge from the prolific Brazil academy after proving to be a sensation at Gremio.

In September, Arthur was included by Tite in the Brazil squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile and rumours linking him with a move to Europe have since been constant.

Last month, The Daily Mail reported that Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona themselves were all closely monitoring his development ahead of making a future move to lure him away from Gremio.

A week ago, Sport claimed that United remained interested but Barcelona had taken the lead in the race after club technical secretary Robert Fernandez travelled to South America to watch him in action during the Copa Libertadores final against Lanus.

Arthur took the opportunity to impress Fernandez with both hands, producing a Man of the Match performance in the second leg to lead his side to a 3-1 aggregate victory.

His potential move to Barcelona appeared to take a step forward over the weekend after a picture of Arthur wearing the Blaugrana shirt alongside Fernandez was leaked.

The La Liga giants were forced to issue an apology after Gremio president Romildo Bolzan threatened them with legal action, warning that Arthur will only leave his side if Barcelona or any other suitor meet his €50m (£44.3m, $59.3m) release clause.

Arthur has now clarified that he has had "first contact" with Barcelona but they are yet to reach any agreement.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian starlet said that he would only move to the La Liga giants if the offer is good for both him and his childhood side.

"Regarding the Barcelona issue, they really spoke with me. We had a meeting but I want to say that there is nothing closed, there is nothing defined. I did not sign anything. I'm a Gremio player, "Arthur explained to Esporte Interativo.

"We have not started the negotiations. Then, if I sign the contract, I will be a Barcelona player, but this has not happened. It has to be something good for me and good for Gremio, which is my home. It's a club that I admire a lot, I came here with 14 years. I'm a gremista at heart, my blood is blue.

"It was only a first contact for them to know my family and for me to meet them. Let's take it easy. There is nothing defined but we did have a conversation."