Agent: Turan should be allowed to leave
442 Staff - Tuesday 08 December 2009, 17:40
Galatasaray’s highly-rated youngster Arda Turan – linked with Arsenal during the summer – would love to team-up with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and should be allowed to leave to pursue his dream, according to the player’s agent.
The Turkish winger caught Wenger's eye during Euro 2008, with the Frenchman publically declaring his admiration for the 22-year-old while reporting for French television.
The Arsenal manager is desperate to boost his attacking options following the long-term injury to striker Robin van Persie, and has been linked with a move for a replacement during the January transfer window.
And the player’s representative, Ahmet Bulut, insists Turan would jump at the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League and move to the Emirates Stadium.
“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," he told Sport.co.uk.
“There is interest from other clubs around Europe but his first choice is England.
“Arsenal are interested and, if they want him, Arda’s first choice is Arsenal.”
Turan has recently been handed the captain’s armband at Ali Sami Yen Stadium, but his agent has urged Galatasaray to allow the playmaker to depart the Turkish giants for pastures new.
“Arda needs to go. And it would be much better for him if he were to leave as the captain of Galatasaray. What more can Arda really give this club?" Bulut told TodaysZaman.com.
"For Arda to go and play on an important team abroad would not belittle Galatasaray, but would actually make it greater. And nothing could be better than that. It should be examined not only from a trade perspective, but also from the perspective of prestige."