Arsenal step up Arda Turan transfer chase for just £23m

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Arsenal have joined the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan, 29. The Gunners face competition from Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce for the Turkish midfielder.

Turan joined in a €40m deal from Atletico Madrid last summer but was unable to make his debut until January following the lifting of a FIFA-imposed transfer ban on the Catalan club. He has struggled to meet the high expectations which come with the big-money fee.

Barcelona have signed Dennis Suarez, 22, from Villarreal this summer and with competition for midfield spots from Sergi Roberto, 24, and Rafinha, 23, have decided to let Turan leave.

Of his 25 appearances last season, 12 came from the bench as he failed to impress manager, Luis Enrique. With a forward line of Lionel Messi, 29, Luis Suarez, 29, and Neymar, 24, Turan’s record of just four assists to add to his two goals, was a huge disappointment.

Despite this, Turan remains keen to prove himself at the Camp Nou. He has made it clear his preference is to stay and fight for his place but that decision may be taken out of his hands.

The German club are favourites to sign the midfielder but with Juventus intent on signing Alexis Sanchez, 27, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders for his signature.

 

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