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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Arthur and Yerry Mina

By Chiranjib Ghosh

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 22: Arthur of Gremio controls for the ball during a first leg match between Gremio and Lanus as part of Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2017 Final at Arena do Gremio on November 22, 2017 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 22: Arthur of Gremio controls for the ball during a first leg match between Gremio and Lanus as part of Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2017 Final at Arena do Gremio on November 22, 2017 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona weigh up Yerry Mina as option in case Javier Mascherano leaves in January

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – MARCH 15: Yerry Mina of Palmeiras celebrates their first goal during the match between Palmeiras of Brazil and Jorge Wiltersmann of Bolivia for the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2017 at Allianz Parque stadium on March 15, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Levi Bianco/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – MARCH 15: Yerry Mina of Palmeiras celebrates their first goal during the match between Palmeiras of Brazil and Jorge Wiltersmann of Bolivia for the Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2017 at Allianz Parque stadium on March 15, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Levi Bianco/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Javier Mascherano’s time at the Camp Nou is certainly over. He has explicitly stated his intention of leaving the club, but has never said anything about the timing of his departure. But with his latest statement, the management is fearing that he may choose to push through a move in January.

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"Mascherano said, “I’m one of those people that thinks that you have to know when is the right time to end a stage. I would like to close mine [at Barcelona] on the right time but it doesn’t really depend on me. I am predisposed to close it on time because when I left Liverpool it wasn’t good for me, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t like having the feeling that I could go back to Liverpool and there was still something toxic there. And I don’t want the same thing to happen to me at Barcelona.”"

In that case, the squad would have just three centre-backs. The management is considering calling up David Costas to the first-team squad but there are doubts as to whether the youngster can cope with the pressure.

Hence, Barcelona are considering are activating their option on Yerry Mina earlier than intended, in the January transfer window. He can be a direct replacement for Mascherano if ‘El Jefecito’ decides to leave.

Even though Ernesto Valverde was cagey while speaking to the media about this prospect, Mina remains a plausible option.

Arthur confirms talks with Barcelona officials

Barcelona have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of Grêmio wonderkid Arthur. After the club’s representatives convinced Arthur to join Barcelona, they have begun formal negotiations with his agents.

After attending a gala hosted by the Brazilian Football Confederation, he spoke to reporters where he confirmed that talks had begun.

"Arthur said, “I talked with representatives of Barcelona but I haven’t signed anything yet. We met each other, nothing more, if I have to leave Grêmio, it must be a good deal for every party involved in it.”"

Next: Kasper Dolberg wants Barcelona move

It is not clear whether Barcelona will sign him in January or not, but at this point, a winter move seems more likely. Rafinha and Arda Turan will leave the club in January, and the Brazilian youngster can replace them.

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