The midfielder was ordered to stay focused for the rest of the season by his coach, who still has him for the 2019-20 season.
Quique Setien says he has not been told that Arthur will leave Barcelona to go to Juventus, and urges the Brazilian international to stay focused for the rest of the season, as he admitted his disappointment at the “absolutely abnormal” circumstances.
Reportedly, Arthur will join Serie A champion Juve for € 80 million (£ 72 million / $ 90 million), and the more experienced Miralem Pjanic could go in the opposite direction for 70 million euros (£ 65 million / $ 78 million).
Barça faced Celta Vigo in Balaidos on Saturday and Setien insisted that the former Gremio midfielder is still available for the team and could appear, despite the distractions of the transfer talks.
“This that is happening is absolutely abnormal. In principle I still have Arthur. He is important like the rest. He will train and travel and he has the possibility to play,” said the Barcelona boss. “I hope that all this noise doesn’t affect him and that if he plays, he tries to do his best.”
“Any player in such a situation must make it clear that the season is not over, win a title and make a good impression until the last day they are here.”
“I do not take it for granted that he is leaving. The club has not informed me that Arthur will leave. He will be with us until the last game of the season. If that happens, I will try to convince him to leave. A good impression. Most importantly is to be honest until the last day and I am convinced that it is. “
Setien was unwilling to comment on Pjanic’s possible signing and suggested that Arthur had trouble adjusting to the style of football he wants Barça to play.
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“Since he’s been with me, he’s put a lot of interest in doing what we ask him to do,” Setien said.
“Maybe he lacked a little continuity. It is not easy to change things in a footballer that other coaches told him was very good. When they tell him that it is very good to keep the ball and that we come and want to play two touches, it is difficult .
“Yes, he may have lacked some physique, but he’s on the right track.”
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