Barcelona are in contact with Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo.

Sport says sporting director Robert Fernandez did not only watch the 21-year-old live this week, but he also spoke to his representatives to learn first hand how the player sees his future.

Robert dined with the player's agents in Porto Alegre after the first leg of the Libertadores final against Lanus.

Robert left South America with his homework done. He'd observed the revelation of Brazilian football in 2017 and had got close to the midfielder's people.

Barça have learned the player would prefer a move to Camp Nou.