Rivaldo urges Arthur to stay at Barcelona amid Juventus speculation

Barcelona legend Rivaldo has urged Arthur to stay at the club amid speculation linking him with a move to Juventus.

The Italian champions are understood to have earmarked the 23-year-old as a possible target this summer and are keen to see him included in a swap deal taking Miralem Pjanic in the opposite direction.

However, Barcelona are reluctant to lose Arthur and Rivaldo is confident that his compatriot has what it takes to become a regular first-team player at Camp Nou.

"Rumours are circulating that Barcelona might be interested in signing Miralem Pjanic from Juventus, and despite being a good player, I believe the club should focus more on the present and on what is still to play for in LaLiga this season," Rivaldo wrote for Betfair.

"There will be time to think about transfers, especially because some must leave before others come in, and the club need to ensure they don't create a squad that's too big and would leave some players without the chance to play.

"Juventus seem interested in a potential exchange of Pjanic for Arthur Melo and of course I think the Brazilian would be a great signing for the Italians as he is a world-class player. Anyway, I still think Arthur should remain at Barcelona as he is young and arrived recently at the club. Soon he will confirm his place in the first team and start to fulfil his potential."

Arthur has made 23 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring four goals and creating four more.