Barcelona midfielder, Arthur Melo, has now dismissed speculation surrounding his future and revealed that he wants to stay at the Camp Nou.
Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Tottenham were determined to land the Brazilian international, although the same publication revealed this week that Juventus and Barcelona were in advanced talks to take the player to Italy.
Meanwhile, Marca (via Sport Witness) contradicted that report by suggesting that the 23-year-old is keen to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place.
It turns out that Marca’s report was the more accurate of the three as the Brazilian international has come out and publicly stated his intention to stay with the Catalan giants.
When asked about the speculation surrounding his future, the midfielder said (as quoted by the Daily Mail): “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, 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.”
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While Arthur did admit that he was flattered by the rumoured interest in him, he reiterated that he was fully committed to Barcelona.
He added: “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.
“Barça is the club I’ve always wanted to be at and I want to remain an Azulgrana for a long time to come, that comes above everything else.
“Every day I feel more at home here, in the team, around the club and in the city. I also love the people and the culture here and really feel the fans’ support.
“I’m 100 per cent focused on working and want us to get back and playing whenever we can because I’m raring to continue improving here and fighting for more silverware in a Blaugrana shirt.”
Spurs Web Opinion
That’s pretty definitive and hopefully, it puts an end to the rumours linking us with a move for Arthur, which were pretty far-fetched to begin with. The only way I would have made my peace with Ndombele going to Barca is if we had got Arthur in return. However, I certainly wouldn’t let the Frenchman leave if they want to offer the likes of Umtiti and Semedo in return.
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