GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report that Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah has joined Italian giants Torino on a four-year contract worth ââ¬3m.
Ghanaââ¬â¢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.
ââ¬ÅTorino have been waiting for this move since two years. They were very disappointed when the player opted for Sampdoria on loan,â⬠the playerââ¬â¢s intermediary Oliver Arthur told GHANASoccernet.com
ââ¬ÅFor the player, he is happy to be part of a traditional club and knows the coach wants him. Which would lead to playing time.ââ¬
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 Ghanaââ¬â¢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.