Barcelona have strengthened their midfield options with the capture of Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Chile midfielder Vidal has agreed to join Barca on a three-year deal, with just a medical remaining to conclude a transfer understood to be worth in the region of €20million.
The 31-year-old is Barca’s fourth major recruit of the close season following Brazilian midfielder Arthur’s arrival from Gremio, the capture of Bordeaux winger Malcom at Roma’s expense and defender Clement Lenglet’s switch from LaLiga counterparts Sevilla.
“Thanks to FC Bayern and all fans,” Vidal said in a brief statement on the Bundesliga champions’ official website.
He scored 22 goals and supplied 18 assists over the course of 124 competitive games, winning three Bundesliga titles in as many seasons.
“I would like to thank Arturo for three great years on behalf of FC Bayern,” said chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“We celebrated great success during this time, and Arturo had a significant share in that.
“He has always been at the forefront of important games, we have always been able to rely on him.”
Franck Ribery has posted a heartfelt message to farewell Arturo Vidal as the Chile international nears a move from Bayern Munich to Barcelona.
Vidal, 31, has played alongside Ribery at Bayern since swapping Juventus for the Allianz Arena in 2015, the pair winning the Bundesliga in each of their three seasons together in Germany.
A deal has been agreed to between Barca and Bayern and Vidal is set to pull on the famous Blaugrana shirt next season, should he successfully complete a medical at Camp Nou.
And veteran French forward Ribery will miss the energetic midfielder in Bavaria this season.
He wrote on Twitter: “Brother, you do not know how much I’m going to miss you!
“I am very proud to have played by your side!
“I wish you the best for your future, you are a warrior and that is rare in our profession.”
Ernesto Valverde expects “warrior” Arturo Vidal to offer something different in Barcelona’s midfield as the Chile international finalises a transfer from Bayern Munich.
Vidal is expected to be confirmed as a Barca player upon the successful completion of a medical after a deal was agreed between the two clubs.
At 31, the former Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus star is approaching the latter stages of his career.
But Barca coach Valverde expects the Serie A, Bundesliga and Copa America winner to compliment the less combative players in central positions.
“He’s a player who we hope will bring energy to the midfield,” the boss said ahead of his team’s International Champions Cup match against AC Milan in Santa Clara, California on Sunday.
“He has a lot of experience and has played a lot of games on all the teams he has appeared with. He’s accustomed to playing in big matches.
“He has a lot of presence on the field and I think that will be very good for us.”