Reports: Arsenal 'seal deal' to sign Barcelona star as replacement for Mesut Ozil

What’s the story?

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil’s contract is running out in 2018 and according to reports from Turkish site CNN Turk, the Gunners have sealed a deal to sign Barcelona star Arda Turan. The Turkish winger/attacking midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and Arsenal are now ready to give the talented 30-year-old a chance in the Premier League.

According to the report, the Spanish giants have accepted a £25 million deal for the Turkish star as they are keen to cut down on their wage bill. Also, Arsenal scouts think that Turan will add a different dimension to the Gunners’ attack.

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A future Gunner?

Arsenal were interested in signing Arda Turan before he moved from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2014. The 88-times capped Turkish international has a contract with Barcelona until 2020, but it looks like the Spanish giants have agreed to sell him to the Premier League giants in the summer transfer window. Also, with Ozil’s contract running out, Arda Turan is definitely a quality replacement should the German international decide to seek new challenges.

The heart of the matter

Arda Turan has not appeared for Barcelona since March due to an injury and the Catalan giants are said to be looking at other options for his position. Arsenal, on the other hand, have had a tumultuous season where their squad quality and depth has been called into question.

With the Gunners struggling for quality options and Arda Turan not really settling in well at Camp Nou, a move to the Emirates might just suit all the parties involved. Also, a £25 million fee for a player of Turan’s calibre is definitely a bargain considering some of the inflated transfer fees going around in the transfer market at the moment.

What’s next?

Although Arsenal are in the final of the FA Cup, it is safe to say that the Gunners have not enjoyed a good campaign this season. With the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez up in the air, fans will be hoping that the issue is resolved quickly and quality replacements be signed should the duo decide not to renew their contracts.

Author’s take

If a player of the calibre of Arda Turan is available, then any club in the world should jump at the prospect of signing him for just £25 million. With reports of a deal already being sealed, Arsenal fans will be happy that the club for a change are going about their transfer business clinically and with alacrity.