FC Barcelona presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed that he is planning to sign Atletico Madrid forward Arda Turan.
The Atletico Madrid star has already confirmed he plans to quit Atletico Madrid this summer and FC Barcelona have emerged as heavy favourites for his signature with Chelsea FC as well as Manchester United reported to be interested in the player.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier that Manchester United were ready to match Turana s release clause of around a 41 million, and were ahead in the race for his signature with a four-year contract being prepared. The Turkish internationala s agent Ahmet Bulut, however, . has since denied reports that the player was set to sign for Manchester United.
The next twist in the saga came about Englanda s Mail Online claimed that Arda Turan has chosen Chelsea FC as his next destination, with the opportunity to work with Jos Mourinho cited as a major factor.
That particular transfer tale saw another twist, however, with Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claiming that the Catalan giants have agreed a deal worth a 35m plus add-ons for the Turkish international, with another Catalan media outlet a Cataluyna radio a also claiming that Turan is set to become FC Barcelonaa s second signing of the summer.
The club’s outgoing president and one of the favorites for the top post at the Spanish giants, Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed that Luis Enrique has named Turan as his preferred target for this summer and FC Barcelona are looking to sign the player.
“He’s a very good player, has real quality and perfectly marries what Luis Enrique wants for next season,” Bartomeu told Esport3. “As such, as a candidate, I encourage the board to sign the player.”
“In this way, next season, we’ll have a team that will be very competitive and primed to win all possible titles.”
Arda Turan himself has further fuelled speculation that he could join the European and Spanish champions after admitting that his footballing idol plays for FC Barcelona.
“My idols? Emre Belozoglu, when he played at Galatasaray, but now it’s Iniesta. He’s from my era, but that doesn’t matter. I have a lot of admiration for him.”
The versatile attacking midfielder also admitted he likes watching the club on TV – but not Real Madrid.
“When I don’t have important things to do, and Barca are playing, I watch them on TV. Real Madrid – no! And I love Atletico, but I can’t watch them as I’m playing.”
Well, it does seem like the Turan transfer saga is finally coming to an end with the player choosing FC Barcelona over Manchester United and Chelsea FC.