Chelsea Transfer News: Barcelona Threaten Arda Turan Deal, Latest Rumours

Chelsea's hopes of signing Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid have taken a blow with the news Barcelona are in "advanced" negotiations to lure the versatile midfielder to the Camp Nou.  

Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star reports Chelsea's and Manchester United's interest in the Turkish international. Catalunya Radio (h/t AS) suggests negotiations between Turan and Barca are "ongoing" and that he could sign before the Catalan club's transfer ban expires in January 2016.

Anderson believes Turan prefers the prospect of heading to the Premier League. Ahmet Bulut, the player's agent, has confirmed the 28-year-old will make an announcement on his future in the coming days, as reported by James Robson of the Manchester Evening News:

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Arda has not met with Manchester United or passed a medical. When you find out who his new team are on Friday you will all agree that we made the right choice. We want to clarify that, at this moment, there is a lot of pressure, but we do not want to make a formal declaration before he has signed. But yes, in the next four days, Arda will decide which club he plays for next season.

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Robson suggests Chelsea are "leading the chase" for the man who has a £29 million release clause in his contract at the Vicente Calderon.

Turan's multifaceted game would slot in well with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. The manager drills his players into contributing across the length of the pitch, prioritising solidarity and a hard-to-break-down spine before risky attacking football.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone deployed Turan on both flanks and through the centre last season, counting on him to disrupt the opposition, distribute the ball and move forward to attack. He isn't a prolific goalscorer—hitting just two in La Liga last campaign—but he can be deployed in a number of roles to help the team land vital results.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell discussed exactly what Turan's new suitors will get:

Elsewhere, Mourinho is said to be on the brink of confirming a season-long loan deal for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, who has agreed a £130,000-per-week contract with the English champions, according to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard. 

This may bring an end to the club's alleged interest in Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, who is currently valued at £15 million after scoring 18 Premier League goals last season. Johnson, who links Austin to the Blues, suggests the Hoops will allow the final year of Austin's contract to play out if nobody matches their valuation.

Brassell recently discussed who is likely to join Chelsea during the summer:

Mourinho is in the luxury position of knowing his squad is already built to retain the domestic crown. However, a handful of changes are needed to make a much needed improvement in the Champions League.

Turan would likely be a costly yet quality addition for the club. Question marks are going to remain over Falcao after he scored just four goals on loan at United last season, while many others will debate whether Austin is worth £15 million after one successful campaign in the top flight.

Mourinho's summer signings must genuinely improve the Blues or provide something different for them to be worthwhile.