Barça block the possible exit of Fluminense's Gerson to Turin

Barça have taken another step forward on their path to secure Gerson, one of the Fluminense gems for which they have bought the right for first refusal. The Blaugrana deployed a delegation which consisted of director of football, Raul Sanllehi, financial director Nestor Amela, and South American representative Andre Cury, which linked up with Fluminense president Peter Siemsen.

Fluminense have decided to reject a 16 million euro offer from Juventus, plus 20% of a future sale and will not force Barcelona into using their right for first refusal which was purchased in May for an initial 3.2 million euros (an option which also applies to central defender Marlon).

Barça, therefore, remain in pole position for the services of the 18-year-old left-footed central midfielder. They are also able to stick to their schedule. The club will continue to work towards bringing the young Brazilian to the Catalan capital next summer, most probably after he has participated for Brazil's youth team in the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside Neymar.

During the meetings held at Fluminense's headquarters in Laranjeiras, it has remained clear that there is a good relationship between both clubs, which will without doubt help any future transaction in the coming months. The Cariocan club holds 70% of the player's rights.

The sale of forward Kenedy to Chelsea for 10 million euros has taken some pressure off the Tricolor's finances, who now have no need to sell players to the European market. His current club value what Gerson will be able to contribute throughout the coming season.

The player is going to continue at Fluminense until December when the season ends in Brazil. Throughout the coming months, his transfer will become a reality due to the work of the new board chosen by the July elections. At the moment, Barça already have the right to first refusal.

Marco Antonio da Silva, Gerson's father, has been fundamental in ensuring that Fluminense do not force his son to Turin. The player wants to play at Camp Nou and he has told club president Peter Siemsen of this. The Blaugrana's delegation has spoken to the player and his father in order to say that their interest is genuine and they are relaxed.

Everyone has come out a winner. Including Flu manager Enderson Moreira, who has asked his young player to ignore the offers he has and instead concentrate on continuing to improve. At only 18 years of age and during his first professional season in the first team, the central midfielder is already a certain first-team starter for the 2015 Brasileirao.