Barcelona news: Lionel Messi transfer target cannot join Barca due to this reasons

BARCELONA will not be able to sign reported target Arthur from Gremio because Yerry Mina has taken the last non-EU spot in Ernesto Valverde’s squad.

Arthur is one of Brazilian football’s most promising prospects and has been linked with a cluster of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is thought to have had his head turned by the 21-year-old’s performances in his homeland.

Don Balon say the Argentine had Arthur on his list of transfer targets to shore up Barca’s midfield.

However, Messi will have to wait if he’s to have the Gremio midfielder alongside him after his club tied up a deal for Mina.

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Barcelona star Lionel Messi wants the La Liga giants to sign Arthur from Gremio

La Liga rules dictate teams can only have three non-EU players in their squad.

Barcelona already had Brazilian’s Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho among their ranks.

And their final non-EU spot has been taken by Mina, who’s joining from Palmeiras.

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Gremio star Arthur impressed against Real Madrid at the Club World Cup

For Arthur to join, Paulinho, Coutinho or Mina must gain EU citizenship or leave Barcelona.

Barcelona could strengthen Valverde’s side with a couple of European stars this summer though.

1. Leon Goretzka and Mesut Ozil have been linked with free transfers to the Nou Camp to play with Messi and co.