Barcelona Step Up Arthur Dias Scouting After Bahia Match Visit
Barcelona have stepped up their monitoring of Athletico Paranaense centre-back Dias, with club representative Amaral in the stands at Arena da Baixada for the Brasileirao match against Bahia.
Key takeaways
- Barcelona are still assessing the 19-year-old and have not made an official offer.
- Tottenham Hotspur previously had a proposal worth more than 120 million Real (£17.5m/€20.5m) rejected.
- Dias has earned a first senior Brazil call-up from Carlo Ancelotti.
- Brazil face Australia twice, on September 25 and 29, before playing India on October 3.
Barcelona tracking Paranaense defender
The Catalan club have been impressed by Dias’ power, calmness in possession and regular first-team displays under Odair Hellmann. Amaral’s visit to Curitiba is the clearest sign yet that Barcelona’s interest is active, although talks with Athletico Paranaense have not yet reached the bidding stage.
Dias has become one of the leading products of Paranaense’s CT do Caju academy and is now attracting growing attention from overseas. The Brazilian side are expected to take a hard line over any sale, having already shown they are prepared to resist major approaches for the defender.
Tottenham’s attempt to sign him was turned down despite an offer above 120 million Real. That rejection set a high marker for Barcelona and other Premier League clubs considering a move.
Brazil chance could raise stakes
Dias will join up with Brazil during the current international break after Ancelotti selected him for the senior squad at only 19. The call-up follows his rapid rise into a starting role in the Brazilian top flight.
Brazil are scheduled to play Australia on September 25 and September 29, then meet India on October 3. Those fixtures give Dias an immediate opportunity to prove himself on the international stage — and could intensify the competition for his signature if he makes an impact.
