Barcelona have confirmed their intention to sign teenage sensation Arda Guler, who has been linked with Arsenal.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has a release clause reportedly worth £15million in his Fenerbahce contract, making him one of Europe’s top transfer market gems for the summer after a breakout season in Turkey.
Real Madrid and Newcastle have also been tipped to bid for Guler with Barcelona said to be willing to loan him back to Fenerbahce should they complete the deal.
Blaugrana sporting director Deco has flown out to Istanbul to discuss the deal, club president Joan Laporta has admitted, with the Spanish giants publicly confirming their desire to complete the signing.
“Today Deco was in Istanbul,” he told the Spanish press.
“LaLiga allows us to carry out operations for next season without impacting FFP.
“Arda Guler is a very talented player, who Deco likes a lot and we are trying to close the operation.”
Barcelona have already wrapped up the signing of free agent Ilkay Gundogan this summer after the release of veteran duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
