Arda Turan seems set for the exit door at Barcelona, despite only signing for the Catalan giants last summer, and Manchester United and Arsenal are set to ‘go to war’ over his signature.

Apparently.

Signing despite a transfer embargo, Turan had to spend the first half of the season doing bugger all and you’d hardly think he’s best pleased at being so disposable after sitting out a chunk of his career for Barca.

A player who is comfortable on the wing, behind the striker or in central midfield, he sounds like the perfect Arsene Wenger signing given his attacking acumen and versatility, but is he.

Costing Barca £26m just 12 months ago, the Sun claim they would be happy to let him go for the same amount after he only started nine league games for the Spanish champions.

Criticised for his work rate, it is claimed that this is the reason he has failed to get more playing time.

Other clubs, notably ones in China and Turkey, are also said to be interested in signing the 29-year-old.

If I had to make a call on this, I can’t see Arsenal going to ‘war’ for a player who would cost over £25m but have virtually no resale value because of his age.

United on the other hand? They don’t care about such things as we saw when they purchased Robin van Persie who was the same age as Turan is now.

Although it’s tempting to say that that was a master stroke by United, RvP and Turan are two very different examples. Turan would be moving to a new league in a new country whereas van Persie was already more than a little familiar with the Premier League when he moved north.