Should Chelsea Have Signed Arda Turan ?
The Blues were linked with the midfielder, but his agent says the club were never in the running
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerez says Chelsea were never an option for Arda Turan after the midfielder completed a €41 million (£29m) move to Barcelona.The Blues had been linked with a move for the 28-year-old after his representative Ahmet Bulut confirmed in June he wanted to leave Atleti and play in the Premier League.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa also spoke of his desire for Arda to move to Stamford Bridge, after admitting it would be “fantastic” to play alongside the 28-year-old once again.
The Turkey international has now joined Luis Enrique’s side although he cannot feature for the club until January 2016 due to the club’s current transfer ban.
“We didn't talk with Chelsea, Barcelona was the first option,” Cerezo told Spor Net-NTV. “We got an agreement because of Luis Enrique's insistence.”
Arda could still return to Atletico before July 20 after Barcelona confirmed they retain the option of selling the midfielder back for a €4.1m loss should the club’s new president - who will be elected 48 hours earlier - not wish to sanction his arrival.
