体坛英语新闻：Barcelona step up interest in Gremio midfielder Arthur

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona have resumed talks with Gremio in a bid to sign highly rated Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo, according to media reports on Monday.

The Catalan giants have been negotiating a deal for the 21-year-old since December but Gremio president Romildo Bolzan earlier this month ruled out a move before January 2019.

Bolzan's comments are said to have given hope to a raft of other interested clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Monaco.

According to Brazilian newspaper Lance, Barcelona technical director Roberto Fernandez is currently in Brazil to secure a definitive agreement.

"Barcelona believe that Arthur has the same style of play as Xavi and Iniesta," the newspaper said. "The Brazilian has the club's DNA with a style that prioritizes possession football."

Arthur has attracted some of Europe's top clubs after an outstanding 2017 season in which he helped Gremio win the Copa Libertadores, South America's version of the UEFA Champions League.

Gremio are understood to have already turned down a bid of 30 million euros (about 36 million U.S. dollars) from Barcelona and another offer from Monaco.

In October, the Brazilian club extended his contract until 2021 and inserted a 50 million-euro buyout clause.

The former Goias youth-team player was rewarded for his impressive form by earning a call-up to Brazil's national squad for their last 2018 World Cup qualifiers in October.