Will Arda Turan be tempted away from Atletico Madrid?
Arda Turan has played an integral role in the remarkable uprise at Atletico Madrid who have grown from a top half La Liga team into league champions and Champions League runners-up in the space of three years. Although Diego Simeone’s side have failed to reach the same heights in 2014/2015, they have still shown their quality across every domestic and European competition to show that Atletico Madrid will not become mere one-season wonders. The highly-talented and sought-after manager has been integral in the progression at the Vincente Calderon, with Arda Turan among those who have developed into some of the best players in Europe which has enabled them to become unbeatable against Real Madrid. Turan scored the winner at the Santiago Bernabau in November, and was also in superb form during the superb 4-0 victory against their city rivals which highlighted their superiority in recent seasons. It may, however, turn out to be the Turkish international’s last season at Atletico Madrid, with a number of big clubs reportedly set to test Simeone’s resolve and make Arda Turan an offer he cannot refuse.
Replacement for Steven Gerrard at Liverpool
Liverpool are just one of a range of clubs who have been strongly linked with a move for Arda Turan this summer, with Brendan Rodgers looking to be pro-active in the transfer window to amend what has been a poor season at Anfield. More importantly, the impending departure of club legend Steven Gerrard, after 17 years and 503 games in Liverpool colours, will leave a major hole in midfield that must be adequately filled; although Rodgers may never be able to a find another player like Gerrard again, replacing him with a top quality midfielder who can bring numerous qualities to the club is imperative. Arda Turan’s name has certainly cropped up as a potential replacement, and while the 28-year-old may be happy to remain at Atletico Madrid, the lure of playing in the English Premier League, plus the fact that he is a confessed Liverpool fan, could be key selling points.
Is Arda Turan on Manchester United’s shopping list?
Another English Premier League club who are looking to spend big this summer are Manchester United, with wholesale changes rumoured to be imminent at Old Trafford. Louis Van Gaal is aware that more quality needs to be injected into his squad in order to make them stronger title contenders next season, and while they have been strongly linked with a mega-money bid for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, the potential availability of Arda Turan presents itself as a more affordable option that would still meet Manchester United’s need for quality. It remains to be seen whether the Turkish international features on Van Gaal’s shopping list, but receiving interest from one of the most prestigious clubs in world football illustrates just how far Arda Turan has progressed as a footballer. Moving to Manchester United would certainly represent a new challenge that a player who has proven himself in La Liga and the Champions League may need to taste more success elsewhere.
Return home
Arda Turan has shone in the limelight of the biggest domestic and European stages in recent years, but the 28-year-old may consider a return back home to his native country to begin a new chapter in his career. Galatasaray, the club where it all began for a player who has since gone on to win 79 caps, pick up a La Liga winners medal and a Champions League runners-up medal, would love to bring their prodigal son back to the Turk Telecom Arena. Although other Super Lig giants may consider a move if Atletico Madrid decide to make him available, it is highly unlikely that a player who has strong connections with Galatasaray would even consider moving to arch rivals Besiktas or Fenerbahce.
