Top 10 Barcelona signings of the decade (2010-2019)

#8 Arthur Melo

Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga

Arthur Melo joined Barcelona from Brazilian club Gremio in the summer of 2019, for a fee of €31 million, with an additional €9 million in variables. Given his performances thus far, the club has got more than its money's worth.

For several fixtures in the 2018-19 season, Arthur was the best midfielder on the pitch. Widely regarded as the long-term successor to Xavi Hernandez, his presence in the midfield brings a calming effect to Barcelona's possession-based playing style, and his ability to switch the play and play lobbed passes to either flank make him an ideal foil for his highly talented teammates.

The Barcelona of old barely ever lost the ball, and Arthur is an embodiment of a philosophy that seems to have become less relevant at the club. The Brazilian is press-resistant, and his ability to hold on to the ball opens up several avenues for the other playmakers in the team.

In addition to his metronomic passing skills, Arthur also has an excellent right foot. His long-range effort against Villarreal is a testament to the fact that Lionel Messi is not the only player in this Barcelona side who cannot be afforded space and time by the opposition.

With Frenkie de Jong added to the squad this season, Arthur also has the added advantage of being able to share defensive and creative responsibilities with his talented peer. At only 23 years of age, Arthur has the ability and the skillset to make the Barcelona midfield his own for years to come.