MADRID, June 24 - Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya
Toure is poised to sign for Barcelona after arriving in the city
on Sunday to finalise the details of a move from Monaco.
"It's a great opportunity for me because Barca are one of
the best teams in the world," the 24-year-old told Barca TV. "It
is a big step forward for me to come to Barcelona.
"They play great football in the Spanish league.... I want
to play for Barca."
Barcelona said they were still in talks with the Ligue 1
club but hoped to close the deal early next week.
Toure, who is the younger brother of Arsenal defender Kolo
Toure, joined Monaco from Olympiakos last year. He is ranked as
one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe.
Barcelona are also on the verge of signing Arsenal striker
Thierry Henry who was due to arrive in the city on Sunday
evening prior to completing a 24 million euro ($32.29 million)
move from the London club.
The Catalan club, who were pipped to the Spanish league
title by arch-rivals Real Madrid, are also in talks with AS Roma
over their Romanian international centre-back Cristian Chivu.