Barcelona ‘propose De Ligt and Arthur Melo transfer swap’ to land Juventus’ Dutch defender as Pique replacement
BARCELONA could offer midfielder Arthur Melo in exchange for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to reports.
The Dutchman turned down the LaLiga champions last summer in favour of Juve, but is now believe to be interested in a Camp Nou switch after just a year in Turin.
De Ligt, 20, believed that first-team chances would be more forthcoming under Maurizio Sarri, but struggled initially to adapt to the different style of football in Serie A.
Meanwhile at Barcelona, Clement Lenglet has faded after previously encouraging performances, Samuel Umtiti's fitness cannot be relied upon, and young prospect Jean-Clair Todibo was allowed to join Schalke on loan.
Gerard Pique remains the only defender fully depended on at Camp Nou, but at 33 will begin to be phased out.
While Barcelona would love to splash out on signing De Ligt, the coronavirus pandemic is set to have a dire effect on football's exorbitant finances.
This could see top clubs utilise player swap deals more often and according to , Juventus would be keen to land Brazilian midfielder Arthur.
The gifted technician, 23, is highly thought of at Barcelona having inherited Andres Iniesta's No8 jersey.
But he could be sacrificed this summer as they try and juggle their assets carefully in order to fulfil their transfer desires.
Sarri is thought to be a fan of the player, who fits his favoured mould of metronomic midfielder.
Arthur is also one of three players that could be offered to Tottenham in exchange for Tanguy Ndombele this summer, as well as Umtiti and full-back Nelson Semedo.
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De Ligt, meanwhile, could be reunited with former Ajax team-mate and close friend Frenkie de Jong in Catalonia.
The pair won the Dutch title and domestic cup last season in Amsterdam, as well as being part of the club's amazing run to the Champions League semi-finals.
The burly 6ft 2in defender is one of a number of ambitious priority targets this summer for Barcelona, alongside Neymar and Lautaro Martinez.