Barcelona’s search for the next generation of European and South American talent has reached Curitiba, where Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias has emerged as a closely watched name ahead of a potentially crowded transfer race.
The 19-year-old left-footed centre-back was observed during Athletico Paranaense’s match against Bahia by Barcelona scouting chief Joao Amaral. His rise has also brought him into Brazil’s senior international squad during the current break, with Carlo Ancelotti selecting him for the first time and leaving open the prospect of a debut for the national side.
Barcelona widen their young-player search
Sporting director Deco has made clear in Barcelona’s Assembly that the club want a firmer grip on the market for emerging players. The intention is to identify future first-team possibilities early, when fees remain within reach, rather than enter bidding wars once players have become established.
- Barcelona scouts have recently followed Djurgarden attacking midfielder Bo Hegland, a 22-year-old Norwegian prospect.
- They have also monitored Vålerenga forward Gabriel Rajkovic, who is only 15.
- The club’s attention has now extended to Brazil, with Amaral attending Athletico Paranaense against Bahia to assess Arthur Dias.
A defender already carrying senior responsibility
Arthur Dias has accumulated 50 appearances for Athletico Paranaense’s first team despite his age. He previously captained Brazil’s under-20 side and is regarded as one of the country’s more promising young defenders.
That combination of senior club experience and international progression has drawn interest across the continent. Eleven clubs, Barcelona among them, are said to be tracking his situation.
- Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Brentford have been linked from England.
- Atalanta and Como have been mentioned in Italy.
- Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Benfica and Atlético de Madrid have also been connected with the player.
A high price and familiar contacts
Tottenham were reported to have seen an offer worth close to €21 million for 80 per cent of Arthur Dias’s rights rejected last summer. Athletico Paranaense are now understood to value the defender at around €30 million, a figure that reflects both the competition for him and his standing within the club.
Barcelona would not arrive in Curitiba without an existing line of communication. The clubs dealt with one another during the negotiations that took Vitor Roque to Catalonia, and those working relations could offer Barcelona an advantage if Deco decides Arthur Dias fits the club’s long-term recruitment plan. The scale of rival interest, however, means any move would be far from straightforward.
