Barcelona have entered the race with Arsenal for Galatasaray playmaker Arda Turan according to reports in Turkey. Turan, 22, who wears the number 10 at the Turkish outfit is reportedly ready to leave the Istanbul side, with Barcelona and Arsenal reportedly the front runners.
The player's agent Ahmet Bulut told Radyospor: "Many clubs are watching Arda. Of course, teams like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also awaiting developments. He is 22 years old and draws much attention. "
However, Bulut spoke exclusively to Sport.co.uk Editor Nigel Brown earlier this month, and confirmed that Wenger had enquired about the Turkish international:
“At this moment in time I have no contact with any clubs. I had a lot of interest in the summer for him, but the club did not want to sell him, even for £50 or a £100 million. Arda is the best player in Turkey at the moment.He is now the new captain of Galatasaray and the club has new elections for President in March, so I don't think he will be sold in January. However, I do think he will be sold in July. I think they will sell him in the summer.
“There are lots of big European clubs interested in him. In the summertime Arsenal made contact, but the club did not want to sell. We also had offers from Spain, Italy and Germany.”
When asked if he thought Arsene Wenger would rekindle his interest in the player, Bulut replied:
“I hope so. He is interested in working under Arsene Wenger because he is very good at working with young players, and Arda wants to work in England. As I said there was interest from other clubs around Europe but his first choice is England.
“Arsenal are interested, and if they want him, Arda's first choice is Arsenal.”