Guilherme Arana
Guilherme Arana was recently named as the best left-back in the Campeonato Brasileirão. Getty

Brazil Under-20 international Guilherme Arana has completed his proposed move from Corinthians to Sevilla ahead of the January transfer window. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had also been linked with his services in recent weeks but the 20-year-old left-back is now set to continue his promising career at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Arana had been widely tipped to make the move to Europe after being identified as one of the next big things to emerge from the his club's revered academy.

Sevilla initially tried to sign him in the summer but the coveted full-back decided to stay at Corinthians a little longer after the clubs failed to reach an agreement over his transfer.

Arana has made the most of his last month in his homeland, being named as the best left-back in the league after helping his side win the Campeonato Paulista and the Brasileirão.

His meteoric development has seen his name linked with other European giants in recent weeks.

Atletico Madrid were said to be closely monitoring his development with Diego Simeone looking for a long-term replacement for Filipe Luis after losing Theo Hernandez to Real Madrid in the summer.

Last month, Sport revealed that Barcelona were also considering battling Sevilla for his services after likening him to Real Madrid ace Marcelo.

Ernesto Valverde has Jordi Alba and Lucas Digne to cover the position but the Spanish publication added that the Frenchman's future at the club was uncertain having failed to make the impact expected since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016.

Days later, Arana confirmed that he was expecting to move to La Liga in January with Sevilla having moved ahead of Barcelona in the race.

Questioned whether he will leave Corinthians after winning the Campeonato Brasileiro, Arana confirmed to Sport TV: "Everything indicates that yes. [I will] go to Spain. I haven't signed anything but I have the possibility of moving to Spain."

Pressed if his next club will be Barcelona, Arana said: "Nothing official came from Barcelona. It came from Sevilla. I cannot speak, I just have to thank Corinthians."

His move to Eduardo Berizzo's side is now a formality and it was official confirmed on Thursday night (7 December) after Arana underwent his medical at the Sanchez Pizjuan before signing a deal until 2022.

"Guilherme Arana has successfully passed medical tests and has signed his Sevilla FC contract. The Brazilian left-back, who arrived in Seville this Wednesday night, joins the Nervión club until June 2022," the La Liga side confirmed.

"Arana will now return to Brazil, where will finish his end of season holiday after winning a Brasileirão title and being included in the championship's Dream XI. The defender will join the club at the start of 2018 after the opening of the transfer window. After the 2 January he can be registered for competition. "

Both Marca and Sport claim the deal have been completed for a fee of €9m (£7.8m, $10.6m).

However, local publication Estadio Deportivo adds that Sevilla have only purchased 80% of his rights wand will need to pay €1m extra in add-ons if the player meets certain targets during his time at the La Liga side.

One way or another, Arana becomes Sevilla's first signing of the January transfer window with the club now looking for a midfielder to replace wantaway star Steven Nzonzi.

Barcelona FC