JAKARTA - Barcelona midfielder Arthur has no interest in moving to Juventus and wants to remain at Camp Nou for many years.
Reports in Spain suggest Juve are trying to take the Brazil international to Turin. He is plotted as a replacement for Miralem Pjanic, whose future seems unclear.
Mundo Deportivo claimed Monday that Barca had given Juve permission to speak with Arthur. The reason is that the Serie A giants can offer contract terms far beyond the capabilities of Los Blaugrana, who have cut wages of 70 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Arthur, who joined La Liga champions from Gremio in 2018 in a deal potentially worth 39 million euros, sees his future in Catalonia.
In a statement sent to Mundo Deportivo, he said: "There will always be speculation but, sincerely, my idea is very clear. The only option that interests me is to continue my career at Barcelona.
"I am very safe and comfortable. I feel very good here and, plus, I thank the club and the technical staff for their confidence. This is another reason to be completely clear that my only desire is to stay.
"The interest of the big clubs should always be a compliment to anyone and a positive sign, but my mind has only been playing here for many years.
😝 https://t.co/LBlr6iLfY9
- Arthur Melo (@arthurhromelo) April 18, 2020
"Barca is a place where I've always wanted to be a part of them. I want to be Los Blaugrana for a long time, beyond other questions. Every day, I feel more comfortable and good here, in the team, at the club and in this city. Also I love the people and the culture here [and] I feel a lot of support from the fans.
"I am concentrating 100 per cent on working and getting back to playing whenever possible because I really want to keep improving here and fighting for more trophies."
Arthur, 23, has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Barca this season despite problems with injuries.
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