Buffon, Chiellini extend contract with Juventus, Arthur joins

The pair of veterans Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini have inked one-year extensions with Juventus, the Bianconeri announced on Monday.

Both of their current contracts are due to expire on June 30, but it was widely believed that the extensions were just "a matter of time," reported Xinhua

"They are players who need no introduction. They are champions whose story speaks for itself, and whose connection with the shirt they wear is indissoluble. They are examples on the pitch and in the locker room, leaders, driving forces, bearers of the Bianconeri DNA, who wear it as a second skin," Juventus described the pair on the website.

"Bianconeri since the beginning. Bianconeri forever. And to confirm it, in case there is a need, today their contract renewals have become official, for another: 2021!" The defending champions of Serie A announced.

Buffon has made 669 appearances since joining the Old Lady in 2001 despite a short-timed departure in the 2018-19 season. The renewal means the legendary goalkeeper will turn 43-year-old after fulfilling the extended current.

Chiellini, who will turn 36 in August, has played 509 games in the Bianconeri jersey since his debut in 2005, and the defender has expressed his wish to play at least one more season.

Meanwhile, the swap deal between Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanic is halfway complete as Barcelona confirmed Arthur's move first on Monday.

The two European elites have been in negotiations for a long time, and Juventus will pay Barca up to 82 million euros for the Brazilian who has completed the medical examination arranged by the Old Lady.

"FC Barcelona and Juventus FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Arthur Melo. The Italian club will pay 72 million euros, plus 10 million euros in variables," read a statement.

"The player will remain at FC Barcelona until the end of official competition in the 2019/20 season," it added.

Arthur, who will turn 24 in August, joined Blaugrana from Gremio in the summer of 2018, and multiple reports suggested the Brazilian rejected the exchange at first but eventually agreed to the transfer.

Multiple Italian media outlets pointed out the announcement of Pjanic transfer will be made soon.