Barcelona sign Chelsea target Arda Turan

Barcelona have announce the signing of 28-year old Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan on a five-year deal.

The deal is reported to be an initial fee of €34 million, with €7 million to come by way of add-ons.

Turan won’t be able to play competitive games for the Catalans until January next year, due to the transfer embargo the club currently find themselves under.

Arda Turan became an important part of Diego Simeone’s squad and it will be a tough job to find someone who could replace him at the Vincente Calderon.

Bizarrely, Barcelona have reserved the rights to sell Arda Turan back to Atletico for a €4.1m loss until July 20, so their new President, elected on July 18, can opt against the deal if he wishes.

Chelsea had eyes on Turan and were trying to land him at the Stamford Bridge before Barcelona swooped him away.

Former team-mate, Diego Costa publicly revealed that he wants him to join Chelsea because he makes good kebabs but that will be one thing he’d have to cross off his list, if unless Barca send him back to Atleti and Chelsea sign him.

The Turkish midfielder notched just two goals for Atleti in 32 appearances last season, but Turan’s not known for his knack for scoring goals but for the creative midfielder he is with the defensive responsibilities he takes on to help his team.

Image Courtesy: FC Barcelona