Arsene Wenger’s 20-year stint at the Emirates has earned him yet another couple of years at the club after an inconsistent season that resulted in missing out on the Champions League next season. However, that has not stopped Arsene Wenger from scouting for the best players in Europe and one name constantly linked with a move to the Emirates is Turkish international Arda Turan.
The 30-year old joined the Spanish side Barcelona from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around €34m but he has not been able to establish himself in the first team under Luis Enrique and could now be sold as a part of the squad overhaul at the Camp Nou this summer. And reports from Spain claim that Barcelona have slapped a price tag of €60m on him for any suitors this summer.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the midfielder and will look to negotiate but what will he add to the squad at the Emirates? At 30, is he the right choice for Arsenal?
Capable of playing as a central midfielder, Turan is an attacking playmaker who loves to play in the hole just in behind the striker. Fleet-footed and technically gifted, the Turkish star’s biggest asset is his strength and the way he uses it in the final third.
His vision in exemplary and he can thread passes that can break the best of the defences. Add to it his finishing abilities, Turn is a complete midfielder, and one of the most dependable in Europe.
He has 13 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances for Barcelona and has been on the fringes of the first team. However, he has enormous experience at the highest level, with more than 150 La Liga appearances to his name all career.
He also has 97 international appearances for Turkey and is one of the most experienced midfielders around in Europe. And Wenger wants to add his expertise to his midfield this summer.
Though a 3-4-3 system was fruitful, the French tactician should revert to a more natural 4-2-3-1 and Turan could start regularly in the number 10 role as the furthest of the midfielders. His discipline in defending with his ability to create chances will add to the quality and balance in the first team at the Emirates, making him perfect for Arsene Wenger’s style of play.
However, his age will be the biggest factor in determining if Arsenal will seal the deal this summer. At 30, he is not a long term option and it is hard to see the Gunners spend anything over €40m, even in this inflated market, for their long-term transfer target this summer.
