The president of Barcelona has decided to against Lionel Messi’s wishes by confirming that Xavi’s successor will not be sold next season
Barcelona has experienced challenging times over the last few weeks between the squad and the board of the club. The issue regarding the reduction of the salaries of the players has destroyed the relationship shared between the squad and the Catalan board.
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Few of the senior squad players posted on Instagram about the entire wage cut issue and also expressed their disappointment towards the board. Several players at the club are already calling for an early election as they no longer believe in their president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear to Quique Setien and the squad that Arthur Melo will not be put on the transfer market despite all the rumours regarding the sale of the Brazilian in the summer transfer market of 2020-21, according to Don Balon.
Arthur Melo was once tipped to be the next Xavi Hernandez of the club, however, Xavi’s successor this season has struggled with injuries due to his hedonistic lifestyle and has barely made much out of the opportunities he was provided with. Since Quique Setien’s arrival at the club, the Brazilian has made an insignificant impact at the club and has lost the starting role he was had under Ernesto Valverde.
The South American is on contract with the Catalan club until 2024 and his currently valued at 70 million euros on the transfer market. His market value could pay off as a major asset to fund Neymar’s return or the signing of Lautaro Martinez, both the signings would also please Lionel Messi.
However, the club president has assured his confidence in the Brazilian and that he will not be sold next summer. If Arthur does stay next season, then that would possibly impact their summer market since they would lack the economic resources to sign two of the best players in the world of football currently.
The club signed the 23 years old Brazilian for just 30 million euros and selling him for anything more than 70 million euros would be an ideal opportunity for Barcelona to cash in and obtain Neymar or Lautaro Martinez who are more valuable assets than the undisciplined midfielder.
For now, Barcelona has only considered selling Umtiti, Rakitic or Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo will continue to wear the number 8 jersey next season at Camp Nou.