Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Arthur and Iker San Vicente

Gremio have said they are not in negotiations with Barcelona for midfielder Arthur, while the Catalan giants have reportedly signed 16-year-old defender Iker San Vicente from Osasuna.

Arthur was photographed wearing a Barcelona shirt on Friday, as shown by AS:

The photograph has angered Gremio, who plan to report the club to FIFA for tapping up the 21-year-old, according to David F. Sanchidrian at AS.

Gremio president Romildo Bolzan has now said that the club have not spoken to Barcelona about Arthur, but that his team would be powerless to stop him from leaving if Barca were to pay his release clause.

He told RAC1 (h/t MailOnline): "Arthur has a contract with Gremio and a release clause of €50 million. If they pay that we can't do anything, but there is no conversation or negotiations open." 

ESPN FC's Samuel Marsden said the photograph taken with Barcelona officials was a bad idea:

Arthur has posted a message about his future and said that he "will never leave the club through the back door. This is my home," via Instagram (h/t Marca).

Rafael Hernandez explained just what Arthur could bring to Barcelona:

The club's interest in Arthur appears clear. However, Gremio's unhappiness at the way Barcelona have approached the player is understandable and could complicate any deal.

If Barca are serious about Arthur, a €50 million release clause looks a reasonable price to pay for a youngster with such exciting potential, and who could be a good fit for the Blaugrana.

Meanwhile, San Vicente is on his way to Camp Nou on a free transfer, according to Marca. 

The teenager will join the Under-19 B team and hope to progress through the ranks and make the grade at the club.

Barcelona have senior defensive problems with star centre-back Samuel Umtiti out for eight weeks, the club have confirmed via their official Twitter account:

That leaves Ernesto Valverde with just Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen as his only fit senior centre-backs.

Javier Mascherano is also injured and not due back until mid-December, per the official Barcelona website.

With Marlon Santos out on loan at Nice, Umtiti's injury has highlighted a lack of strength in depth at the heart of the Barca defence, and the club could look to strengthen in January.