Arsenal Transfer News: Liverpool Target Arda Turan Wants Arsene Wenger Link-Up
Arda Turan's agent has confirmed the versatile Atletico Madrid midfielder is keen on a move to Arsenal by revealing his client "is interested in working under Arsene Wenger."
Reportedly on Liverpool's radar, the lure of heading to the Emirates could see Brendan Rodgers miss out on another target, following on from their failure to land Mohamed Salah and Yevhen Konoplyanka, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.
As reported by Colin Harvey of the Daily Star, Ahmed Bulut—Turan's agent—confirms his client would like to link up with Wenger, although he is unlikely to leave the Vicente Calderon anytime soon:
"He is interested in working under Arsene Wenger and Arda would like to play in England. But Arda will not leave Atletico yet. They are part of the title race and he is a key player. Arda plays for a big club and he will be part of Atletico's success.
I would like to emphasise again that Arda recently extended his contract. He will be staying at Atletico.
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Turan represents an excellent signing for any Premier League side. The Turkish star is capable of playing across the midfield and prefers a more advanced role in order to exert his creative influence.
He is a hardworking and disciplined individual who doesn't shy away from defensive responsibilities, as highlighted by his 1.9 tackles per La Liga match this season, recorded by WhoScored.com.
The 27-year-old has scored three goals in the domestic league and has also netted twice in five Champions League displays. He is an integral part of Diego Simeone's quest for silverware and continues to battle against neighbours Real Madrid and Barcelona to end an era of domination between the two in Spain.
Two losses in four games have seen Atletico drop down to third, three points away from Real at the summit.
Jamie Sanderson of the Metro reports quotes attributed to Bulut, who confirms a bid has been received from an English club. Although the report outlines Manchester United as those sending the offer, the agent's quotes never explicitly confirm an approach from David Moyes.
"Arda is playing at a big club with big goals and wants to be a part of their success. We have received an offer from an English club. We will see. There are two sides to every transfer, the player and the club; it’s up to both to decide.
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Turan possesses the technical ability and guile to be a Premier League star. He may fancy moving on from La Liga if Atletico fall short this year, as his chances of capturing the trophy appear slim. Each of Liverpool, Arsenal, and United represent developing teams and are expected to challenge for the Premier League crown in years to come.
Arsenal could certainly use such a player right now, especially as Jack Wilshere has been ruled out for six weeks after a lunging tackle from Daniel Agger during England's friendly with Denmark. As reported by Lee Hurley of the Metro, this has left the squad strained:
"The news that Jack Wilshere will face six weeks on the sidelines with a hairline fracture in his left foot is a massive blow.
Wilshere himself hasn’t been in the greatest of form and it could be argued that he needed to be rotated out of the squad for a bit, so it’s not so much his technical loss which will be felt keenly as the strain yet another injury will place on the rest of the squad.
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Bulut's confirmation that Arda wishes to work with Wenger should have the Gunners boss on alert. It's not often a player of his quality says he'd like to work with an individual at another club after signing a new contract, so the comment could be seen as an exit plea for the summer.
His signing would certainly be a step forward for the North London club, who are expected to indulge in hectic activity during the next transfer window.
