Arthur 'flattered' by Juventus interest but keen to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, celebrates with Arthur after scoring their first goal at Slavia Prague. Reuters

Lionel Messi. AFP

Lionel Messi is challenged by SK Slavia Prague's Tomas Soucek. Reuters

Lionel Messi. Reuters

Tomas Soucek, left, attempts to stop Lionel Messi. Getty

Lionel Messi is challenged by SK Slavia Prague's David Hovorka. EPA

Lionel Messi, right, and Peter Olayinka. EPA

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates a his goal with Gerard Pique. AP

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, celebrates with teammates. AP

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates. AP

Lionel Messi, right, in action in Prague. EPA

David Hovorka, right and Lionel Messi. Getty

Lionel Mess scores the opening goal past Slavia Prague goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar. Getty

Slavia Prague goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar celebrates after his team's goal. AP

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, right. AP

Luis Suarez misses a chance to score in Prague. EPA

Lionel Messi misses a chance to score. Getty

Slavia Prague Czech defender Jan Boril celebrates after scoring. AFP

Barcelona's Lionel Messi. AP

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen punches the ball. AFP

Luis Suarez, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal. EPA

Luis Suarez, left, scores Barca's second goal. EPA

Jan Boril, third right, celebrates after scoring Slavia Prague's goal. AP

Slavia Prague celebrate their goal. AP

Jan Boril celebrates his goal for Slavia Prague. AFP

Brazil midfielder Arthur has stated his desire to remain with Barcelona amid reported interest from Juventus.

Spanish media reports had linked the Serie A champions with a transfer bid for the 23-year-old Brazil international, who joined the club from Gremio in the summer of 2018.

"The interest of great clubs is flattering, but I have only one thing in mind: playing here for many years," Arthur was quoted as saying by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Arthur, who has 20 caps for his country and helped the club win La Liga last season, is seen as an important member of Quique Setien's squad, particularly with Ivan Rakitic's future at Camp Nou in doubt.

Both La Liga and the Serie A have been suspended amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Professional football in Spain took a step toward resuming this week with clubs welcoming players back to training after the country's prime minister Pedro Sanchez outlined plans to relax coronavirus lockdown measures.