Barcelona transfer news: Brazilian star confirms Nou Camp move ahead of schedule

Barcelona announced the deal to sign an initial £27m back in March, with a £8m in future add-ons.

"Barcelona are the ones who asked to bring my transfer forward this summer,” Arthur said. “It's a question of the clubs.

"My departure has been transparent and I'm very happy with how it has gone. It has been good for everyone involved.”

Barcelona are set to exercise their option to purchase him this summer, even though he was not expected to move to the Nou Camp until January 2019.

His arrival is thought to have been brought forward to help fill the void left by Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.

Barcelona bring Arthur transfer forward this summer

Barcelona look to replace Andres Iniesta this summer

The 34-year-old Spaniard ended his trophy-laden 16-year spell at the Catalan giants in May to sign for Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

The La Liga champions also lost midfielder Carles Alena to a serious knee injury.

Arthur helped Gremio win the Copa Libertadores last year, making 39 appearances across all competitions.

And Gremio boss Renato Portaluppi has no doubt that Arthur will be a success at Barcelona.

"He has a brilliant future not just at Barca, but with the national team,” he told Spanish outlet Sport.

"The day he goes to Europe, he will grow a lot. It's normal that he won't play everything at first.

"He needs to know the group, his teammates, how they play, how Barca play, what the coach wants from him...

"But you can be sure that after that moment has passed, in the hour of truth, when he's settled in the city, knows La Liga and Barcelona, he will progress even more."