Juventus and Barcelona are making progress in their proposed deal that would see midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Arthur swap clubs, sources told Moises Llorens and Sam Marsden of ESPN.
The two sides have been discussing the exchange for the better part of two months, with Juve expected to pay upwards of €60 million for the Brazilian. The Bosnian’s valuation is slightly lower, meaning the Serie A leaders would need to make up roughly €10 million in cash.
Various reports have suggested the only thing holding up the agreement is Arthur’s unwillingness to leave the Spanish club; the 23-year-old has stated his desire to remain at Camp Nou and fight for his place in the squad.
But after further negotiations this week, there’s a “growing belief” at Juventus that Arthur will accept their contract terms, which represent a significant upgrade on his current wages, Llorens and Marsden add.
Pjanic, 30, is believed to be very open to the switch.
The two players would reportedly swap clubs in separate deals, allowing the sides to register the incoming transfer fees on their books for this season to help offset the financial setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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