BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona have reached agreement with Brazilian club Gremio to sign Arthur, a 21-year-old midfielder.

The Spanish LaLiga football club said in a statement on Sunday (March 11) that they can activate an option to sign the Brazil Under-20 international in July by paying a basic €30 million (S$48.7 million) plus €9 million in add-ons.

Earlier, Spanish media reports had suggested that Arthur would join next winter, after the South American campaign. The deal follows a sustained courtship when he helped propel Gremio to the final of the Copa Libertadores last year and was impressive as they beat Lanus of Argentina, 3-1, on aggregate in the final.

He did not finish the second leg, limping off in the second half with a torn ankle ligament. The injury meant Arthur missed the Club World Cup in December.

He will join compatriots Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho in the Barcelona midfield.