Barcelona are pushing to close a deal for Gremio midfielder Arthur this week.

However, they do not expect to see the youngster until 2019.

Sport says Barca and Gremio officials will meet this week in an attempt to thrash out terms over Arthur.

Barca have also agreed to allow Arthur to remain with Gremio on-loan to the end of the Brazilian season before joining them in January.

The Catalans want to wrap up the agreement this week, however, to avoid 'any surprises' with the World Cup on the horizon.