Barcelona Transfer News: Arda Turan Announcement Expected, Latest Rumours

Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Arda Turan as the board meet to "give the green light" on the deal.

According to L. Barrio of Marca, Barca's hierarchy will meet on Monday to give the go-ahead to Turan's signing.

As Barrio relays, Josep Maria Bartomeu spoke of his hope the board will sign off on the move on Friday. Speaking to Cadena Ser, he said: "It is a request of Luis Enrique and I encourage the management board to complete the deal."

Per Sky Sports, the Blaugrana presidential candidate added in an interview with El Mundo Deportivo: "Luis Enrique has won everyone's confidence and he deserved that they listen to him in signing Arda Turan, who is a great player. I tell the interim management as a candidate to the presidency that I have no problem if Arda Turan is signed as requested by Luis Enrique."

The midfielder is set to leave the Vicente Calderon this summer and, as Barrio's report indicates, is being pursued by a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe is a fan of the Turk, but he isn't convinced Turan is good enough for Barca:

Turan scored three goals and made six assists last season, which admittedly is some way below the return he would be expected to produce at the Camp Nou.

However, the 28-year-old did this from the right wing—his less favoured position.

Opta Jose illustrates just how important Turan is to Atletico.

Turan remains an excellent player going forward, and his work rate in defensive positions is almost unrivalled, so he has plenty to offer Barcelona, even if he would struggle to command a starting berth in their side.

Expect Turan's contribution to be much higher if he finds himself at the Camp Nou next season.

Arsenal and Chelsea Pursue Barca Youngster

According to Marca (via Anthony Chapman of the Express) Arsenal and Chelsea are hoping to sign Munir El Haddadi from Barcelona, with the Gunners making an official approach.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Munir enjoyed a run in the first team while Luis Suarez was suspended at the start of last season, but when the Uruguayan returned to action his opportunities were understandably limited. 

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes Munir should be made the first back-up to Barca's star trio of forwards.

As Barcelona's transfer embargo prevents any new players from playing until January, it's likely Enrique will be hoping to keep hold of his players in case of injury or suspension, particularly talented prospects like Munir.

This makes a move this summer fairly unlikely.

Further, while Arsenal's style of play would allow the 19-year-old to continue is development, he wouldn't command a starting berth and is not the proven goalscorer the Gunners need to lead a title charge next season.

A stay with the Catalan giants seems the most likely outcome for Munir for at least another season.