Chelsea Transfer News: Arda Turan Prefers Blues Despite Manchester United Deal
Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan wants a move to the Premier League, with his preferred destination being Chelsea over Manchester United, according to Cadena SER (h/t AS).
Turan "has an agreement" with the Red Devils but "is still waiting on something concrete from Chelsea," the club he hopes to represent, per the aforementioned report. This speculation comes after the player took to social media to deny claims he has agreed to join La Liga champions Barcelona.
"Much is being said about me, but the information published is not correct," wrote Turan on rumours in the Catalan press that a deal with the Blaugrana has been struck, per AS.
Ahmet Bulut, the player's agent, previously confirmed an imminent announcement will be made to reveal the player's next suitors: "When you find out who his new team are on Friday you will all agree that we made the right choice," said Bulut, reported James Robson of the Manchester Evening News.
Turan and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could strike the perfect match. The Portuguese boss loves hard-working, intelligent players who put the team before personal glory.
Although creative in the final third, Turan battles to win possession and is more likely to start attacking moves than round them off. He can play from either wing and through the centre, making him a smart alternative to Oscar in the Blues lineup.
B/R UK's Andy Brassell believes Arda's next club will be securing a winner:
United boss Louis van Gaal should be looking at players of his ilk. The Red Devils need added bite in midfield after a number of lightweight performances last season. Turan's doggedness would slot in well alongside the likes of Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick, but it could once again relegate Juan Mata to the bench.
The Spaniard's stop-start United career has seen him forced out wide when he is best suited to playing through the middle, but he put together a run of quality form at the conclusion of the 2014-15 campaign. Arda's arrival could disrupt his progress.
Atletico fans have enjoyed watching a dedicated professional over the last four years, someone who possesses technical acumen and natural energy. Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone has called on him to perform multiple roles and will find it difficult to replace the 28-year-old's thirst for getting the job done.
The boss may accept Turan's departure as an inevitability after losing Diego Costa and Filipe Luis to Chelsea last summer. Arda is well-suited to the Premier League and Stamford Bridge, where he'd be adored by the fans.
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