Barcelona track Brazil Under-? defender Arthur Dias amid interest from nine clubs

Barcelona sent scouting chief Joao Amaral to watch Atletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias in Curitiba on Sunday, as interest grows in the 19-year-old after Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti called him up to the national squad.

Dias is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the Brazilian league. His rapid progress at Atletico Paranaense has been underlined by his inclusion in Ancelotti’s Brazil selection despite his age.

The centre-back has established himself in the Atletico Paranaense starting side, with the club third in the Brazilian league after 28 rounds on 49 points. Only Palmeiras and Flamengo are above them in the table.

Dias is 1.88m tall and combines considerable physical strength with developing technical ability. Although left-footed, his performances allow him to operate almost as comfortably with both feet. He is also seen as reliable when passing over short distances and with longer balls.

His pace and ability to recover position are among his other strengths. Dias can play on either side of a two-man central defence and is also comfortable in a back three. His quality and personality on the pitch are viewed as characteristics that could suit Barcelona.

According to UOL Esporte, Amaral was at the Arena da Baixada on Sunday to assess Dias during Atletico Paranaense’s match against Bahia. The home side won 2-1 after goalkeeper Mycael saved a stoppage-time penalty.

Dias played the full 90 minutes and was booked during a solid display on the left side of a back three alongside Juan Felipe Aguirre and Dantas.

The game was the defender’s 26th appearance in the Brazilian league this season. He has missed only two matches, both because of accumulated bookings. The fixture also marked his 50th appearance for Atletico Paranaense’s first team.

Dias is under contract with the club until December 2028.

UOL Esporte reported that Amaral’s arrival in Brazil was a sign Barcelona could enter the race for the defender, particularly with Tottenham also pursuing him. During the current transfer window, the London club had a bid worth 21m euros rejected for 80% of the player’s economic rights.

Barcelona would be the 10th European club to show an interest in Dias, according to the same report. The other clubs mentioned include Atletico Madrid, Como – managed by Cesc Fabregas – and Benfica.

English clubs Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also reported to be monitoring the young defender.