Turan keen to become a Gunner
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Galatasaray midfielder Arda Turan is interested in joining Arsenal next summer, according to the player's agent.
The 22-year-old winger has made 86 appearances for the Istanbul giants - scoring 22 times - since breaking onto the first-team scene in 2004.
And with the youngster having already represented the senior Turkey team on 34 occasions, after featuring at every level from U16 to U21, interest in his services inevitably increased, with the Gunners and Liverpool linked with moves for the midfielder earlier this summer.
A transfer to either failed to materialise, with Galatasaray desperate to keep hold of the prize asset.
However, Turan's representitive, Ahmet Bulut, has revealed that the player is keen on working under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, and would be willing to sign on the dotted line in 12 month's time.
“At this moment in time I have no contact with any clubs. I had a lot of interest in the summer for him, but the club did not want to sell him," he told Sport.co.uk.
"He is now the new captain of Galatasaray, so I don't think he will be sold in January. However, I do think he will be sold in July.
“In the summertime Arsenal made contact regarding him, but the club did not want to sell. He is interested in working under Arsene Wenger because he is very good at working with young players, and Arda wants to work in England.
“Arsenal are interested, and if they want him, Arda's first choice is Arsenal.”