Arda Turan is in talks over a transfer from Barcelona to Istanbul Basaksehir, according to the Turkish club's president.
The midfielder is yet to make an appearance for the LaLiga leaders this season and the arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool has increased speculation he will leave this month.
''I spoke to Arda Turan face to face in Barcelona," he said via Basaksehir's official website. "He wants to come Basaksehir. I saw his passion and he told me his goals. After that, we met with Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau.
''Barcelona's approach is positive about this transfer. We would like to sign Arda, despite the high cost. Our two sponsors are willing to help with the transfer process.
''I understand the media are excited and I'm so excited too, but we have to wait. We have a couple of steps to go in order to finish the deal."
Ernesto Valverde's side could offload a number of players this month following Coutinho's arrival for a reported €160million and the return to fitness of Ousmane Dembele.
