Former Barcelona star Meho Kodro us backing the decision to swap Arthur Melo for Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Pjanic will join the Catalan giants ahead of the 2020/21 season, although a rush to complete a deal before June 30 was in order for it to go on the balance sheets for the current fiscal year, and not the next one.

"I have no doubt that he will be a great signing, Pjanic is the player Barcelona need now," Kodro told Radio MARCA.

"I'm surprised that Barcelona haven't tried to sign him before, he has the right profile for the club, he is very good technically and has a great vision of the game.

"I think comparing anyone to Xavi puts them at a disadvantage, Arthur was said to resemble him but Pjanic has similar skills.

"Arthur is also a great footballer but Pjanic's experience plays in his favour."