Report: Nuri Sahin to join Arsenal, decides against Liverpool

By The Gaffer on August 19, 2012

As reported by Waleed Abu Nada last week, Nuri Sahin has decided to join Arsenal, according to BBC.

The Real Madrid midfielder, 23, has also been courted by Liverpool this summer as Brendan Rodgers attempts to achieve a top-four finish. It appears that Sahin is set to join on a season-long basis with a view to a permanent transfer.

Arsenal close to completing Sahin deal. Season-long loan with view to permanent. Confirmation likely early next week #bbcfootball #afc #rmfc

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 19, 2012

It seems unlikely that Arsenal would have that option to sign such a player on a transfer after the loan, but that remains to be seen.

Nuri Sahin was the Bundesliga player of the year, according to Kicker magazine in the 2010/11 season as Dortmund won the title. Sahin joined the La Liga champions from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal in May of last year, but failed to hold down a regular place in the lineup. The Turkish star made just 10 appearances in total, last season.

Brendan Rodgers, a close friend of Jose Mourinho from their time at Chelsea, apparently encouraged Sahin to join Liverpool. Xabi Alonso also voiced his approval of a possible move to Anfield.

As Liverpool are only in the Europa League this season, it’s understandable that Sahin would want to join Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side that have strengthen considerably this summer. The arrivals of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, and Santi Cazorla bode well for the season ahead.

The signing of Nuri Sahin will certainly soften the blow of Alex Song’s departure to Barcelona.