GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report that Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah has joined Italian giants Torino on a four-year contract worth €3m.
Ghana’s leading football news outlet, www.ghanasoccernet.com, can confirm the deal was signed on Friday morning.
Acquah moves from German side TSG Hoffenheim but spent last season on loan at two Serie A sides Parma and Sampdoria for half a term each.
The 23-year-old was impressive for the second half of last season when he featured in ten matches and scored one goal for Sampdoria.
“Torino have been waiting for this move since two years. They were very disappointed when the player opted for Sampdoria on loan,†the player’s intermediary Oliver Arthur told GHANASoccernet.com
“For the player, he is happy to be part of a traditional club and knows the coach wants him. Which would lead to playing time.â€
GHANASoccernet.com understands Acquah has been on the wish list of coach Giampiero Ventura for some time now.
Torino finished ninth last season.
Acquah was a key target for several clubs in Europe including Chelsea and Arsenal who have previously been linked to the Ghana star but were unable to place a firm offer.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho sees the 23-year-old Ghana midfielder as a natural fit for compatriot and mentor Michael Essien.
Chelsea were reported to be keen on bidding for the highly-rated defensive midfielder who emerged as one the best in his position in Serie A last season.
Acquah, who previously played for Ghana’s U20 team, was part of the country's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
He is currently one of the best performing Ghanaian players abroad.