The three parties advanced on Thursday in a preliminary agreement that only requires some final touches to become a reality.

Joan Laporta acknowledged on ‘Onze’ of ‘Esport3’ that FC Barcelona is very interested in signing Arda Güler (18 years old) and that Deco traveled to Istanbul yesterday to negotiate with Fenerbahce. According to SPORT’s sources, the Barcelona sports management is optimistic about the incorporation of the Turkish gem after the conversations that have taken place in the last few hours. The Catalan club is currently in the pole position in the race to secure the services of one of the most promising footballers on the continent. The Barça president also made it clear that if the operation succeeds, Güler will join Xavi Hernández’s team in 2024. “LaLiga allows us to make operations that do not count for this year,” he stated. This option fits perfectly with Fenerbahce’s plans, as they are interested in having the young talent for another year. The player’s priority, on the other hand, is to have continuity, so he is willing to continue for one more season in his country to continue growing professionally before making the leap to the highest level.

The three parties made progress on Thursday in a preliminary agreement that only requires some final details to be ironed out. There are still loose ends to be tied, and in no case can the operation be considered a done deal, but Barcelona has made the right moves to be currently the most likely destination for Güler, the forward for whom up to eight top-level European clubs are fighting – with Real Madrid and Milan as the most interested teams. Deco is very close to securing his first major signing as the club’s sporting director. The satisfaction of the Barça technical secretariat after the latest advances is considerable. Barcelona is in the best position in the contest for Güler, and considering the extreme competition for him, that is great news. The financial situation of the club remains very delicate, but Joan Laporta reiterated on ‘Onze’ the same discourse he has maintained since returning to the presidency: “All world-class players prioritize Barcelona.” Arda, in principle, will be no exception.