There has been a lot of rumblings about the possibility of Everton lining up a move for Galatasaray winger Arda Turan this past week. Some sources, particularity in the Turkish press have quoted an actual bid in the region of £10 million, however confirmation of Everton’s interest has come more from hear-say than anything official, and coming from conjecture that Turan would like to play in the Premier League.

FollowEverton looks at the possibility of a move for Turan and just how good a move it may be.

At 21, Turan is a rising star of Turkish football, making his first full international appearance at 19, he has seventeen caps for Turkey. He was prolific as a youth international, scoring nine goals in twenty-one games at Under-19 and Under-21 level. His club record is just as impressive, striking twenty times in sixty-one appearances for Galatasary. He is a skilled winger, able to play both sides but preferring the left and is set to feature in Turkey’s Euro 2008 bid.
However there are two dimensions to look at when considering a potential Everton move. Firstly, is a player like Turan a priority? With the move for Pienaar sealed, and with Baines able to play on the left, a move for Turan would saturate the options for that position and given the departure of Carsley this must surely be Moyes’ priority.
There has been talk of Arteta leaving, but this seems baseless, with Arteta signing a five-year deal last summer and looking to return for the next campaign at full fitness, and it seems doubtful that Moyes will be looking for a replacement, and with Turan’s reputation he would not do as a squad player.
Secondly is the price tag for Turan. Having three years on his contract, and with Galatasray winning the Turkish Super League and heading into the Champions League next season they will not wish to see one of their prize native assets leave on the cheap.
If Galatasaray were to part with his services then it would undoubtedly come after the European Championships were his performances could ratchet up the interest and price tag of the 21-year old, and given the need for Moyes to prioritize signings for other positions it seems unlikely Everton would spend highly on Turan. It is of note that Newcastle have been strongly linked, however with Champions League football on the cards Turan would be unlikely to go to any club without European football on offer.
Unless Everton are really willing to open the wallet this summer, Turan does not seem a likely move, at least until the issues around the defensive midfield and right back positions have been solved. However given that Galatasray would not sell until after Euro 2008, keep an eye on this young man, if Everton have secured their priority signings then this move would become increasingly plausible, as long as the price stays down.

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