According to reports from The Times, Arsenal are planning a £25million transfer bid for Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan.

What's the word?

Arsenal's transfer columns this season have been dominated by the uncertain futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, who could both leave the club in the next transfer window when there will be just one year remaining on their current contracts. Mooting potential replacements has been a common trend amongst the English media and the latest name put in the frame is Barca's Arda Turan, courtesy of The Times. They bill him as a direct replacement for Ozil at the tip of Arsenal's midfield.

Why would he leave Barcelona?

Players usually tend to move the other way but it could well be Arsenal prising a talent from the Nou Camp this time around. Arda Turan was bought for his technical quality and versatility two summers ago after consistently impressing at Atletico Madrid but that ability to play in a variety of positions hasn't particularly helped his cause, making only 13 starts in La Liga this season in roles across the midfield and front line.

Now 30 years of age, Turan's final years at top level could be wasted on the Barca bench unless he moves on this summer and with coach Luis Enrique expected to leave, The Times are anticipating a squad overhaul at the Nou Camp anyway, with the Turkish international seemingly a likely casualty. £25million would pretty much cover Barcelona's original investment, so logic suggests they'd accept such an offer from the Gunners.

Can he fill Ozil's void?

No doubt, Turan is a top talent - one who has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League before. He's technical and creative but can also put in a real shift off the ball and boasts a wealth of experience at this point in his career, making 81 appearances in Europe - producing 19 goals and 30 assists - and representing Turkey on 95 occasions, scoring 17 times.

But the obvious drawback is Turan's age. Due to turn 31 before the end of next season, Arsenal won't get that much mileage out of him, although the midfielder is far more reliant on intelligence and flair than the speed and athleticism of youth. He could go on for a little while longer, yet most would argue he's not in Ozil's calibre anyway.

However, Arsenal will struggle to find a direct replacement for their World Cup winning playmaker who can offer the exact same level of quality. Turan is at the very least a proven safe pair of hands who can contribute until another truly stellar attacking midfielder comes the north London club's way. £25million is a modest price for proven talent these days, and Turan could certainly do a job for a season or two.