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Arda Turan an Arsenal Transfer Possibility?

By Josh Sippie

July 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan (10) controls the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
July 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan (10) controls the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arda Turan has spent the last four seasons with Atletico Madrid but this past year was statistically his worst, as he only managed 3 goals and 6 assists. The previous year he had netted 9 times and assisted 6 (via WhoScored.com). However, stats never tell the full story and the same is true here, as Arda Turan still put together a very healthy season and was a heavy contributor to another fairly successful season at Atletico.

This summer, the 28 year old Turkish midfielder is looking to move. Turan’s agent, Ahmet Bulutwas is reported by SkySports as saying:

"“His intention is to leave Spain this summer. His will is to leave and to play in the Premier League, that is the path he would like to take to continue his career. 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.”"

Seems pretty obvious to me, Arda Turan is moving.

Given that his rumored landing spot is going to be the best in England, that eliminates certain teams and the speculation is that he will undoubtedly go to a Champions League team. That eliminates the Liverpool contention and leaves Manchester United and Chelsea as the two English teams that are heavily linked.

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But Bulut cited three teams and that leaves either Arsenal or Manchester City. So lets look at it from an Arsenal perspective: Would Arda Turan be a good signing?

Turan has a lot of what an Arsenal man requires. He maintains a very healthy pass completion percentage and very rarely misfires. He has the capability of dribbling and to Arsene Wenger’s imminent delight, he contributes to the defensive side of the game very well.

Another key aspect to Arda Turan’s game is his versatility. The Turk can play left, middle or right attacking mid. With right wing still up for grabs, Arda Turan could be an excellent candidate to bring some consistency to a position that rarely has it. While he does not have the blistering speed that the Ox, Alexis or Theo Walcott do on the wings, Arsenal deployed Aaron Ramsey on the right wing and he did rather well at the spot.

The rumored asking price is 28 million pounds and that right there is the hold up, not to mention the fact that he is 28, but that actually could work out in Arsenal’s favor. The price is a bit high for a luxury signing at a position that cannot be too high on Arsene Wenger’s priority list. But the consistency that Arda Turan would bring would surely be worth the investment.

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As far as his age, Turan still has about three years to be a very strong contributor. That would allow the Ox and Serge Gnabry to mature more and get their feet under them as they grow into the role that Turan will vacate in time. Obviously we would much prefer to see Ox rise to the occasion now, but the fact is that he is injury prone and as we saw this year, his injury left a revolving door at right wing.

Arda Turan has made 40+ appearances in each of his four years at Atletico. That in and of itself is a selling point that should have Arsene Wenger at least pondering the possibility of tabling an offer.

Next: Pros and Cons of Cazorla staying

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