Barca boss Setien is sure Juventus rumours are affecting Arthur.

Setien believes speculation surrounding Arthur's future is affecting his performances.

Arthur Melo [Getty]

Barcelona coach Quique Setien reckons speculation linking Arthur Melo with a move to Serie A giants Juventus is taking its toll on the midfielder's display.

Several tabloids reported on Tuesday that Maurizio Sarri is looking to build his midfield around Arthur and the Italian club have also agreed an €80million deal with Los Cules despite the Brazil playmaker recently saying he isn’t looking to move away from the Camp Nou.

Arthur was taken off in the second half of Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga, and Setien stressed that the midfielder is still a key player for his side.

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"If this is the case I'm sure it's affecting him, yes," he told a news conference as Marca quoted.

"I'm very happy with what he's doing, he's an important player for us and we'll try to get the best out of him.

"Given how things are we need all of our players and we'll try and isolate ourselves from this situation and the media who are reporting on and talking about these rumours.

"We need him to be focused. It's true it is a difficult situation but we have to overcome it somehow."

The Brazil international has made 27 appearances for Barca so far this term.

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