<
>

Barcelona's Arda Turan: Chinese club 'offered €50m to sign me'

Arda Turan says that Barcelona turned down a bid of €50 million for him from an unnamed Chinese club last season.

Turan, 29, only joined Barcelona last summer but was forced to wait until January for his debut due to the Spanish club's transfer ban.

He made only nine La Liga starts over the remainder of the season as he struggled to force his way into Luis Enrique's plans, leading to speculation he could be sold.

The Turkey international was linked with a move to Beijing Guoan, and he has now confirmed there was a firm offer which Barca rebuffed.

"Last season, a club from China offered €50m to sign me, but Barcelona rejected the offer," Turan told Beyaz TV. "Barcelona did not sign me just for six months. I am at Barcelona as part of a long-term project."

He has rediscovered his best form this season, scoring two goals and creating three so far in La Liga.