Arda Turan had made it clear they he would leave Atletico Madrid this summer. His agent echoed the same, stating interest from Premier League clubs, without mentioning the name of any club. As a result media continued to speculate about Turan’s future, with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona being linked with a move for the Turkish midfielder.
English press speculated that Turan will be an ideal signing for Chelsea. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the player. Turan is skilful and at the same time he puts in a lot of defensive shift – he has all the qualities that fits the bill of a typical-Mourinho-type player.
There were other incentives as well. Along with the big money wage offer, Turan would be able to reunite with his former team mates at Chelsea, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois. Furthermore, Chelsea could have signed him in a deal including Filipe Luis, where the Brazilian would return to his former club.
But Turan chose not to join Chelsea or Manchester United. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Turan has decided to join Barcelona instead.
It comes as a huge surprise as Turan will be missing six months of action, since he cannot be registered before January due to Barcelona’s transfer ban. He was so close to joining Chelsea, but his dream of playing alongside Lionel Messi made him sign for Barcelona.
Luis Enrique, the Barcelona boss, personally wanted him at the club as he wanted to add depth in the midfield. The commission could approve the deal or it might have to wait until a president is elected.
Turan has a reported release clause of €41m but Barcelona will be signing him for around €35m plus add ons. Although the length of the deal has not been disclosed, as per Sport, Turan will sign a five-year-contract at the Catalan club.
One of the presidential candidates, Bartomeu suggested the move to Miguel Angel Gil (Atletico president) while in Ibiza, where the deal was sorted out. At this moment, minor details need to sorted out and hence the deal hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
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