The Turkish international had been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United after deciding to leave Atletico Madrid.
Turan agreed to join Barca even though he can't be formally registered until January due to a transfer embargo.
We didn't talk with Chelsea, Barcelona was the first option.
Ahmet Bulut
Turan's agent Ahmet Bulut claims that Barca boss Luis Enrique's determination to land the player was decisive in him making the move and claims that Chelsea, at least, were never in the running.
He said: "We didn't talk with Chelsea, Barcelona was the first option.
"We got an agreement because of Luis Enrique's insistence."
GETTY
Arda Turan joined Barcelona
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The news is sure to come as a disappointment to Blues striker Diego Costa, who said last week: "It would be fantastic. Arda makes everything so much easier out on the pitch.
"Arda, Filipe and I function perfectly. And Arda is such a great person.
"He invited us to eat at his house many times, I really liked his kebab. The whole team would go round to his house for dinner."