Valverde expecting big things from Arthur as new boy makes instant impact
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is expecting summer signing Arthur to make a big contribution after the Brazilian midfielder impressed in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Arthur, 21, scored a stunning goal to put Barcelona 2-0 ahead against Spurs in Pasadena, the Brazilian’s finish doubling his team’s advantage after Munir El Haddadi scored the opener.
However, second half goals from Son Heing-min and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou earned Tottenham a draw before Barca settled the match on penalties.
The Primera Liga champions have lost the services of experienced midfield duo Andres Iniesta and Paulinho since the end of last season, but spent €40 million (Dh171.5m) to bring in Arthur from Brazilian club Gremio.
Barcelona manager Valverde has confirmed that he still wants to add to his options in midfield, but was encouraged by the early signs from Arthur during an impressive first half display in Pasadena, California.
“He is a player that can give us a lot,” Valverde said. “He can give us possession, goals and he was really motivated today. He had a great game during the minutes that he played.”
Like Valverde, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager for a transfer breakthrough, particularly as the Premier League side are yet to make a signing since last season’s third-place finish.
Spurs are already without their nine World Cup semi-final representatives for their trip to the United States and Pochettino’s options have been further depleted after injuries to Victor Wanyama, Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko. Wanyama’s knee problem is potentially serious after he has flown back to London to see a specialist.
But regardless of the casualties, Pochettino says it is crucial that Spurs add to their squad before the August 9 Premier League transfer deadline.
“We are going to see what happens in the next few days,” said Pochettino.
“But with or without injuries, that’s our target [to strengthen the team] to bring in some players and add some with quality who can help us to achieve our goals.”
However, Pochettino quickly dismissed any suggestion that Tottenham could look to re-sign Welsh winger Gareth Bale.
Bale, 29, left the Premier League club for Real Madrid in a then-world record €100m move in 2013. When asked if Bale was a transfer target, Pochettino replied: “It’s not realistic.”
Tottenham next face Italian side AC Milan today in Minnesota, before concluding their pre-season with a trip to Spain to face Girona.