​Grêmio is using the break in the calendar to tackle one of its biggest issues this season: the way the midfield is set up. Head coach Luís Castro has been conducting several experiments in recent friendlies, aiming not only to improve chances of creation but also to identify the ideal successor to Arthur, the former captain who left the club when his loan agreement expired. To bolster passing and support the young Gabriel Mec, the experienced Willian was pushed further to the left side of midfield. Yet the trial runs have not yielded the hoped-for benefits.
In the match against Cascavel, Willian was taken off at halftime with the game deadlocked, though Grêmio managed to react and turn the result around after his exit. In the clash with Chapecoense, he was substituted just five minutes into the second half, with the team trailing 2-0; Grêmio improved and managed to reduce the deficit after he left the pitch. Although the substitutions had been planned to give everyone minutes, the drop in performance with Willian on the field has cast doubt on his starting status. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, the likelihood of a renewal appears slim, not only because of his form but also due to the club’s policy of keeping the wage bill under control.
As for who will take his place, Castro is weighing other options, according to ge. Amuzu would bring different traits, offering more pace and dribbling. Braithwaite could operate centrally, behind striker Carlos Vinícius, which would shift Gabriel Mec out to the wing. Monsalve remains an outside option and has lost much of his playing time this season; with interest from Estudiantes of Argentina, the Colombian could be sold soon.
Who fills Arthur’s vacancy? The primary bet is Argentine Juan Nardoni. The No. 5 started both of the recent friendlies, and Castro envisions forming a foreign defensive-midfield partnership with fellow Argentine Leo Pérez, who had already been a regular starter before the Copa break. Another name re-entering consideration and providing relief to the squad is Villasanti. The Paraguayan returned to action last Saturday after almost a year of recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in August 2025. With his dynamic box-to-box style, he stands as Nardoni’s immediate replacement or as a robust tactical option if the match requires a third defensive midfielder.
Grêmio is actively exploring the transfer market to guard against losing key pieces, with Gabriel Mec also reportedly drawing interest from abroad. The club’s priorities in the market are clear: an attacking midfielder, a right-back (recent discussions with 22-year-old Diego Caito of Goiás have progressed), and a center-back who can operate on the left side of defense.
As the team prepares to resume competition, these strategic moves take on added urgency. The aim is to strengthen the spine of the team and ensure the squad remains competitive on all fronts, both domestically and in potential international pursuits. The transfer activity and roster adjustments will be closely watched in the coming weeks as Grêmio looks to stabilize the midfield, secure valuable reinforcements, and chart a path toward a more productive and balanced season.