Arda Turan dismisses reports linking him with Barcelona move

Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan has moved to quickly dismiss reports emanating from Spain linking him with a switch to Barcelona.

Earlier today, the Catalan daily SPORT reported that the Turkey international had snubbed a reported move to England (specifically Chelsea) in order to link up with the reigning champions of Spain and Europe next season.

However, just a few hours ago, Turan took to his Twitter account to respond the false news.

“There has been a lot of talk about me but the information which has been published is false,” the 28-year-old said. “I am on holiday, relaxing.”

Turan has been one of the most popular Atletico Madrid players and was a major force during the club’s renaissance under manager Diego Simeone.

The Turkey international joined the La Liga club for £9 million from his boyhood club Galatasaray in August 2011 – the transfer fee made him the most expensive Turkish footballer of all-time.

During his time in the Spanish capital, Atletico Madrid have won a Europa League title, UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Supercopa, a Copa del Rey and a La Liga title – while also finishing Champions League runners-up in 2013-14.

Earlier this year, news was leaked that Turan would be plying his trade away from the Vicente Calderon next season.

In February, Ahmet Bulut (Turan’s agent) told Mundo Deportivo that the 28-year-old would leave the club at the end of the season with his desired destination being one of the “top eight clubs in Europe”.

Bulut went on to say if a deal could not be negotiated with one of those clubs, Turan would remain in Madrid.

Late last week, the midfielder’s representative told the Spanish publication AS that Turan is keen to play in the Premier League and discussions were currently taking place with “the best clubs in England and in European football”.

“[Arda’s] will is to leave and to play in the Premier League, that is the path he would like to take to continue his career,” Bulut said.

“We are currently in talks with three teams but I cannot reveal the names of the clubs. However, I can tell you that they are the best in England and in European football.”

Yesterday, Turan himself took to his official Twitter account to clarify his agent’s statements.

“The transfer rumors are not entirely correct,” the player tweeted. “My agent is currently in touch with 3-4 clubs. I will update you all if a deal is made.”

After those two statements were made Turan was heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United, with the reigning Premier League champions being tipped to win the midfielder’s services.

Once Turan completes his move to Stamford Bridge, it is believed that Blues left-back Filipe Luis will be sold back to Atletico Madrid; after the Brazilian failed to secure first-team football under Jose Mourinho.