RIO DE JANEIRO, March 11 -- Barcelona have secured an option to sign Brazilian midfielder Arthur from Gremio in July, the Catalan club said on Sunday.

The 21-year-old will cost 30 million euros plus eight million euros in add-ons, should the La Liga leaders exercise their right of first refusal.

"Arthur is a talented midfielder who stands out for his passing ability," Barcelona said in a statement on the club's official website.

"Another of his qualities is his ability to lose his man, a factor that makes him a danger close to the opponents' area. The Brazilian is excellent at protecting the ball and can come up with the final pass in the final third."

The announcement ends weeks of speculation about Arthur, who has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou since being photographed wearing the Blaugrana shirt in December.

The former Brazil under-17 and under-20 player was a crucial member of the Gremio team that won last year's Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.

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