Barcelona reject Arthur return in Juventus talks

Barcelona have turned down the chance to re-sign Arthur Melo from Juventus as they continue talks to send Miralem Pjanic back to Turin.

Sport says Pjanic joined Barcelona as part of a swap deal with midfielder Arthur, conceived as a way for both sides to balance their books in light of FFP regulations. Both players are understood to be open to a move back to their former clubs, but Juve are said to be much more open to the move than Barça.

During negotiations with the Turin club, midfielder Arthur has made it known that he would be willing to re-join the club as part of the Pjanic deal. However, the club has outright rejected the proposal.

read alsoTaunted Umtiti gives condition for Barcelona exit

Despite being willing to take a pay cut, Barça are not interested in signing the player due to his lack of professionalism, poor injury record and lack of on-field impact during his last spell at the club.