Arsenal: Arda Turan should be avoided

More links have Arsenal in a shock swap deal with Barcelona. Reportedly, Bellerin leaves and in comes Arda Turan. Turan should be avoided at all costs.

After recent transfer links with players such as Alvaro Morata, Riyad Mahrez and the confirmed signing of Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal are now being linked with Arda Turan. However, this is a deal that would be completely shocking on the Gunners’ part.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 more reasons to celebrate Sead Kolasinac transfer

According to the Daily Star and many other reports, Arsenal are offering Hector Bellerin to Barcelona in exchange for Arda Turan and youngster Marc Cucurella. This move is absolutely vacuous. I didn’t even need to read anything about this deal to alter my belief and here’s why.

First off, why in the world would you want to get rid of Hector Bellerin? As a defender that is only 22-years-old, Bellerin boasts immense potential. Obviously, he can defend, but the Spanish full-back can also provide help with the attack. Through 25 starts in the Premier League and 2 FA Cup starts, Bellerin has contributed with five assists. That is a great amount for a full-back who has struggled with injuries this season.

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Bellerin is also famous for his incredible speed. It’s rare to find players in any league that can blow by you faster than you can blink. But what makes Bellerin even rarer, is that he is a defender. Name another defender faster than Bellerin. C’mon… Exactly, there is none.

Bellerin is also extremely versatile. His pace makes him a great asset as a traditional fullback, but it additionally means he is a useful option in Arsene Wenger’s newly implemented 3-4-3 system. Take Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury, for example. Since Chambo went down, Wenger had to go to the next best option at right wingback. Who is that next best option? You guessed it, Hector Bellerin! The wingback allows Bellerin to utilize his pace even more, which showed against Stoke City. Bellerin was able to fly by the Stoke defense and provide Giroud with an easy assist.

Since Chamberlain went down, Wenger had to go to the next best option at right wingback. Who is that next best option? You guessed it, Hector Bellerin! The wingback role allows Bellerin to utilize his pace even more, which showed against Stoke City. Bellerin was able to fly by the Stoke defense and provide Giroud with an easy assist for the crucial opener.

It really baffles me that this is even a story. Bellerin is considered as one of the best young defenders (excluding that horrific haircut), yet he could be swapped away. We’ve seen a story similar to this in the past. During the January transfer window, there were numerous reports stating that Arsenal would swap Alexis Sanchez, receiving Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic in return. Luckily, nothing ever came of the reports.

But just like that last rumor, Turan has to be avoided. Not to put down his skills, but I do not want him at Arsenal. Yes, he’s massively talented at the midfield position but he’s unnecessary. First off, he’s already in his 30’s and is not getting any younger. If Arsenal desire a talented midfielder, Turan is not the guy. Bellerin is 22 and only gonna get better. Turan is 30 and his abilities will only start declining.

Secondly, we are already good with starting midfielders. Xhaka is beginning to find his groove and Ramsey is enjoying his best run of form of the season after a number of niggling injuries, not to forget that Cazorla is set to return soon.

Turan is upset about not receiving starting minutes at Barca, but sorry bud, you won’t receive that at Arsenal either. If we desire midfield replacements, then let’s swap players like Coquelin and  Elneny. The other player Arsenal would receive is Marc Cucurella. At the age of 18, Cucurella is considered to be one of Barca’s highest rated academy players.

His talents have garnered interest from big teams such as Real Madrid and Chelsea. I don’t see how Cucurella would fit with Arsenal, especially considering the fact that we have our own talented center-back: Rob Holding! Not to mention Calum Chambers and Krystian Bielik returning from loan spells this summer, Cucurella would find it difficult to receive playing time, just like Turan.

Next: Arsenal: 3 players affected by Sead Kolasinac signing

So I’ll use this opportunity to pose one essential question: Would you rather have two players (one old and the other very young that isn’t proven) that would barely receive any playing time, or keep Bellerin who has all of the skillset to become the best fullback in the Premier League?

Have your say down below!