Barca get option to buy Arthur for €39m

BARCELONA • Barcelona have reached a deal with Brazilian side Gremio to sign playmaker Arthur for a potential €39 million (S$63.2 million), the Spanish league leaders said yesterday.

The LaLiga giants can choose to activate the deal for the 21-year-old in July if they wish to follow through. "In the event that the club exercises the option, the transfer is set at €30 million plus €9 million variable," a statement said.

REUTERS

Fiorentina triumph after moving tribute

ROME • Vitor Hugo gave Fiorentina a 1-0 win over Benevento in an emotional Serie A game at the Artemio Franchi stadium yesterday, the home side's first game since the shock death of captain Davide Astori the previous Sunday following a cardiac arrest.

Before the kick-off, the players warmed up in shirts bearing Astori's number, and teams and officials stood in the centre circle for a minute's silence while violet and white balloons were released into the air.

Hugo celebrated his first Fiorentina goal by holding up a T-shirt bearing Astori's image, before standing in front of it and saluting.

REUTERS

Garcia wins in unanimous verdict

LOS ANGELES • American Mikey Garcia sent Russian Sergey Lipinets to the canvas for the first time in his career on Saturday, as he seized the International Boxing Federation super lightweight world title with a 12-round unanimous decision.

Unbeaten Garcia, who improved to 38-0 with 30 knockouts, has now won world titles in four weight classes, making him the third fighter besides Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez to do so.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE