Chelsea Transfer News: Major Arda Turan Rumours Emerge, Douglas Costa Latest

Chelsea could be on the verge of signing the talented Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid, according to the latest rumours.

Per Jorge Garcia of AS, "Ahmet Bulut, Arda's agent and associate of Jorge Mendes, confirmed to AS that Arda's future lies in the English Premier League and Chelsea were leading candidates to secure the Turkish international’s signature."

Further, Turan wants his future confirmed by July 10, two days prior to the start of Atletico's pre-season preparations, so any moves involving the Turkey international are likely to happen sooner rather than later.

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The 28-year-old is a creative attacking midfielder who could easily slot into Chelsea's trio behind Diego Costa.

Real Madrid TV's Phil Kitromilides believes Turan to be one of the best players in Diego Simeone's squad.

The Turk scored three goals and registered six assists in all competitions last season, primarily deployed on the right side of midfield.

Turan prefers to play on the left in order to cut inside onto his right foot, but at Chelsea his opportunities to do so will be few and far between given that Eden Hazard plays on the left.

Even so, Turan would make an excellent purchase for Jose Mourinho.

His incredible work ethic and willingness to help out defensively will appeal to Mourinho, whose Chelsea team form a solid unit and do not carry passengers lightly.

Further, his ability to make incisive contributions in forward areas, along with his impressive ability to find his team-mates with quick, short passes, make him an ideal alternative to Oscar or Willian should either get injured or suffer a drop in form. 

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Signing Turan would also make up for losing out on Douglas Costa, who appears to be bound for Bayern Munich.

According to Tom Adams of Eurosport, Chelsea are interested in the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, but Christian Ortlepp and Martin Volkmar of Sport1 (via Adams, link in German) report that Bayern have reached a verbal agreement for his signature.

Per Adams, Costa recently told Sport1 "I have been working for many years to play for a big club in central Europe. And if this possibility exists, then I would be very happy."

Nevertheless, the deal is not yet done, and the Blues would match Costa's desire to play for big European club.

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Per Transfermarkt.co.uk, the Brazilian scored five goals and made seven assists in all competitions last season. Costa is also an experienced Champions League campaigner, having appeared 34 times in the tournament.

Costa is currently playing in the Copa America with the Selecao and scored in their 2-1 win over Peru.

Costa would make able back-up for Chelsea's attacking midfielders, and at 24, he would likely prove excellent long-term business for any side. 

It's wholly possible that Chelsea could hijack Bayern's move for him, but the German champions are in more desperate need of his services, thanks to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery's advancing years and recent injury problems. This could swing the deal in Bayern's favour.

If Costa does find himself at the Allianz Arena next season, signing Turan would more than make up for missing out on the Brazilian.