Juventus director hints at Pjanic-Arthur swap with Barcelona

Juventus director Fabio Paratici suggested that a swap deal with Barcelona involving midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Arthur could be in the works.

"Swap deals with Barcelona like Arthur-Pjanic? We're speaking with Barca as we do with many top clubs because it will be a particular summer," Paratici told Sky Sports' Fabrizio Romano.

Revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic are likely to force clubs to pursue player trades and free transfers in the upcoming summer window.

Barcelona has reportedly proclaimed that only Lionel Messi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Frenkie de Jong are unavailable as the Catalan giants look to cut costs, sparking reports that Brazilian midfielder Arthur could be available this summer.

Arthur recently reiterated his desire to stay at the Camp Nou amid reports linking Juventus and Tottenham with the 23-year-old, who Barcelona reportedly appraise at €60 million.

Transfer speculation has also linked Barcelona with Juventus pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Matthijs de Ligt, with the latter seeming unlikely after the Dutch defender rebuffed interest from the Scudetto holders last season to join their La Liga counterparts.

Set-piece savant Pjanic resembles a more realistic option, and a change of scenery could serve the 30-year-old well. The Bosnian international has been a target of criticism amid a relatively poor season and was widely maligned for a drab performance in the Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat at Lyon.

As part of discussions with Romano, Paratici also claimed that discussions with Paulo Dybala over a new deal have begun.

"We're working to extend Paulo Dybala's contract. We want him as part of Juventus for many years," Paratici said.