Valverde: Isn't Arthur an actor?

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde dodged questions about the club's reported interest in Gremio midfielder Arthur, amusingly claiming he thought he was being asked about an actor.

Arthur has been linked with Barca for several months after establishing himself as one of South America's most promising young players during Gremio's successful Copa Libertadores campaign last year.

Reports of Barca's interest initially began circulating in December when Arthur was photographed wearing the club's jersey during a meeting with sporting director Robert Fernandez.

Although that moved angered the Brazilian club, negotiations have taken place since and reports have even suggested the two clubs are closing in on an agreement worth an estimated €40 million.

Though, when asked about Arthur, Valverde tried to convince reporters of his ignorance.

He said: "Arthur? What's his last name?"

"I thought he was an actor! He's at another team. I've seen him, like a lot of others."

Valverde, who coached Athletic before Barca, also expressed his sadness at the death of a Basque police officer on Thursday night and rued the fact some people use football as a "shortcut" to give other things "visibility".

"We're all affected," Valverde said. "Especially in my case, as it happened in Bilbao."

"Football is there to be enjoyed, but there are people who use football as a shortcut to other things. It's not a footballing problem, it's just that that's where it gets visibility."