4 Barcelona youth players who can become superstars

#3 - Arthur Melo

Arthur presented as a Barça player in the Nou Camp

Joining a long list of Brazilians to play at the Camp Nou, Arthur's transfer wasn't anything short of dramatic. After a photo of him wearing the Blaugrana colours was leaked, rumours begin to mount that the Brazilian could be a part of Ernesto Valverde's project.

After initial rejection by both parties, Gremio and Barcelona confirmed that Arthur would move to the capital of Catalonia in the the winter window of 2018-2019, but Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barça's president was forced to push the deal in the summer window due to the departure of club legend and Arthur's childhood idol - Andres Iniesta.

When the legendary midfielder announced his decision to leave his boyhood club after the end of the 2017-18 season, the initial response from the fans and the management was emotional, but they later realised the void Iniesta would leave behind; not only in terms of his legacy, but also his sporting importance in the game plan of the club.

Arthur in the presentation ceremony of the Copa Libertadores (far right)

Sharing a similar physical stature and passing ability with his idol, Arthur is a versatile midfielder who can do well on both sides of the midfield and even orchestrate the play by playing as a defensive midfielder, or acting as a pivot.

Due to his unique play style and abilities, Arthur was named as the best young player of the Brazilian first division, and was also included in the team of the season. He also finished third in the race to win the South American Player of the Year award.