Barcelona scout 19-year-old Brazilian defensive talent – report | OneFootball

Barcelona will be heading into the international break with the best start to a season in quite time now, with the team having won all their matches in all competitions.

However, the ecstasy of that success was slightly muted after Andreas Christensen’s injury against Sevilla.

The Dane could be out for up to six weeks by rough estimates, leaving Barcelona without a key defensive options as we enter a tricky part of the campaign.

Barcelona keeping an eye on Arthur Dias

Given Christensen’s injury, it is only natural to expect Barcelona to step up their efforts when it comes to eyeing defensive reinforcements.

According to UmDois Deportes (h/t SPORT), the club have already kickstarted their preparations, as they are keeping close tabs on Arthur Dias.

Dias dueling with former Barcelona star Memphis Depay. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)

A left-footed centre-back by trade, Dias currently plies hits trade for Athletico PR and has been recently called up by Carlo Ancelotti to the Brazilian national team.

The report suggests Barcelona scout Joao Amaral was in Curitiba this weekend to witness Dias in action against Bahia.

Barcelona, though, could face stiff competition for Dias, with Tottenham Hotspur along with Como, Newcastle United and Benfica also interested in his services. Athletico PR had already rejected a bid from Tottenham in the summer.

What does Dias bring to the table?

It is clear that Barcelona are in the running to sign Arthur Dias despite increasing competition. And given the player’s profile, it is easy to wonder why.

Does Dias have what it takes to thrive at Barcelona? (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)

Aged just 19, Dias is an ambidextrous centre-back, who has shown a high level of physicality and maturity for his age. He already has 50 competitive appearances to his name for Athletico PR.

Other than his physicality and a 1.88m frame, the young Brazilian is also known for his ball-playing ability. He is adept at both short passes or passes in between the line, making him a natural fit for Barcelona’s style of play.

Joao Amaral’s presence in Curitiba, therefore, is certainly exciting news for fans as Barcelona look for potential defensive reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window.