OFFICIAL: Barcelona confirm deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Arda Turan

Barça's management board have given the green light to the signing of Arda Turan, although the deal will be completed by the new president later in July. Luis Enrique asked for the signing

FC Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid.

It is now official. Arda Turan will wear the Barcelona shirt next season, as SPORT revealed last week. The Blaugrana have reached a deal with Atletico for the Turkish midfielder for 34 million euros plus seven million more in variables.

In a press release, Barça have announced that they have reserved the right to sell the player back to Atletico until July 20. This is so that the new president, who will be chosen on July 18, will have the chance to opt against the deal.

The management board have approved the deal, though, as it was one which Luis Enrique had personally requested. Ramon Adell, the president of the management board, said that "the decision to sign Arda Turan could not be delayed any longer, but we've maintained the right to reverse the decision."

In Barça's press release, it was revealed that negotiations began months ago with Atletico Madrid, which was another reason why the deal needed closing now.

Josep Maria Bartomeu, a candidate to become Barcelona preside on July 18, met with Atletico's Gil Marin in Ibiza weeks ago to try and finalise the deal. Therefore, Bartomeu is in agreement with the management board's decision. The same can't be said for Laporta, Benedito and Freixa, who would have preferred the decision to be delayed until after the elections.

Bartomeu posted a message online revealing his delight: "The signing of Arda Turan is great news for Barcelona. We must support Luis Enrique's project," he wrote.

With Arda Turan, Barça have strengthened their midfield with a player with a lot of class and quality, as he has demonstrated with Atletico Madrid over the last four seasons.

The player announced weeks ago of his desire to leave Atletico this summer and has finally decided to sign for Barcelona, ignoring the offers on the table from English sides Chelsea and Manchester United.

source: sport-english