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Barcelona have signed Turkey captain Arda Turan on a five-year contract from Atletico Madrid for an initial fee of €34 million (£24.1 million). Manchester United and Chelsea were both reported to be interested in signing Turan, with Chelsea striker Diego Costa saying last week he wanted a reunion with his former Atletico teammate. But Barca announced on Monday that they have come away with the coveted Turkish international. The former Galatasaray player will not be able to play an official game for Barcelona until January 2016 due to a transfer ban imposed by FIFA for breaching rules over the signings of under-age players. Barcelona inserted a clause in the deal giving the club the right to re-sell the player back to Atletico until July 20. Arda's arrival will strengthen Barca's midfield following the departure of veteran captain Xavi, who has joined Qatari club Al Sadd after 24 years with the Catalan giants. Barcelona club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said last week he felt everything was in place for Barca to make their move for the 28-year-old. And his hopes became reality. "Before stepping down, we left everything in an advanced state which is why we have the information we need," he said last week. "I am not in contact with the board but the statutes should always be respected as long as it is to the benefit of the club." Turan helped lead Atletico to a La Liga title in 2013-14, as well as a Champions League final berth that same season. He joined Atletico from Gala in 2011 and went on to make 127 appearances for the Rojiblancos, winning the Europa League in his first season before clinching the Copa del Rey in 2012-13. He started 28 league games as Atletico finished third in 2014-15 to qualify for next season's Champions League. Press Association contributed to this report.
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