Arthur set to take Paulinho's place with Willian an attacking option LaLiga - Barcelona Midfielder likely to return to China

Barcelona are looking to reshuffle their squad this summer and Arthur is set to take Paulinho's place in the squad with Willian as another attacking option.

Paulinho is set to return to China with Guangzhou Evergrande having an offer on the table for their former player, although the final decision will belong to the midfielder.

The Chinese club have offered 50 million euros, 10 more than what the Spanish club paid last summer, and this will also free up a non-EU spot in the Blaugrana's squad.

He will turn 30 before the start of the new LaLiga season and hasn't been a regular starter for Ernesto Valverde in his debut campaign at the Camp Nou.

Irrespective of this, he did impress when utilised from the bench and replacing him with Arthur is a gamble considering the Gremio playmaker's lack of experience in Europe.

Guangzhou's contract offer is a tempting one in terms of a salary and, furthermore, the deal would offer him more years at this level of payment.

Barcelona are so confident that the 29-year-old will leave that the club have already prepared an official statement announcing the move.

Willian is another target that Eric Abidal is attempting to secure ahead of the 2018/19 season, although negotiations with Chelsea will be difficult.

The Blues have thus far been unreceptive to a sale, although Los Cules would have further non-EU problems if he were to eventually arrive.

Kia Joorabchian was instrumental in bringing Philippe Coutinho to the Spanish champions in January, and he's presented the offer for Paulinho from China.

The agent is also pressing Chelsea to allow the former Anzhi Makhachkala winger to leave Stamford Bridge, but one key issue is the lack of control at the London club with nobody quite sure how secure Antonio Conte's position is.