Barcelona have reduced their asking price for Arda Turan in an effort to get the Turk off their books.

  • Barcelona want to sell Turan to reduce squad size
  • He could cost Arsenal just £19m

Arsenal are said to be interested in the Turkish international and may now be able to sign for a reduced price of just £19m.

New Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde is looking to overhaul the Barcelona squad and Turan, 30, has been identified as one of several who could leave the Camp Nou.

Turan was already the focus of Turkish media this past week with an abrupt international retirement after he attacked a reporter on a plane as the Turkish team headed back home from playing a friendly in Macedonia. The latest transfer rumour has led the best bookmakers in Turkey to slash the odds on him leaving Barcelona this summer.

Given his age, £19m would be a lot more appealing to Arsenal as they look to strengthen their squad for a title challenge next season. Turan has been consistently linked with a move to the Emirates.

However, the player himself seems content at Barcelona and isn’t interest in a move away despite his status as a squad player. Turan’s agent, Ahmet Bulut, said:

“Arda is not going anywhere. Barcelona’s directors are happy with him.”

“We haven’t spoken to any club about a transfer. The stories that have come out in the media that he will be leaving have annoyed Arda.”

“And nor has it gone down well with board members at the club. Arda Turan will see out his contract. He will stay at Barca until 2020.”

Reports earlier today indicated that Barcelona would be willing to offer Turan to Arsenal as part of a move for Hector Bellerin, but it seems the player would not be interested.