Arsenal are reportedly positioning themselves to swoop for Real Madrid’s 19-year-old prodigy, Arda Güler, as the midfielder struggles for consistent game time in Spain.
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According to reports from Spain, the Gunners have reached out to Güler’s representatives to evaluate his dissatisfaction with his current situation and gauge his openness to a Premier League move.
After joining Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023 for an initial €20 million (£17 million) fee, Güler showed glimpses of his immense potential during his first season, making 12 La Liga appearances.
His stock rose further following an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Turkey. However, the current season has been a frustrating one for the young talent, who has started just three of Madrid’s 17 matches across all competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s head coach, has been vocal about the challenges of integrating Güler into an already stacked midfield. He also highlighted a priority to stabilize the team’s performance rather than focusing on providing minutes to individual players. This has left Güler disillusioned with his limited role at the club.
Arsenal reportedly view Güler as a potential repeat of their successful acquisition of Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian also endured a challenging stint at Madrid before the Gunners swooped in with a January loan deal in 2021, followed by a permanent transfer worth £30 million.
Ødegaard has since flourished at the Emirates, establishing himself as the team’s captain and creative lynchpin.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s recruitment team see parallels between Güler’s current struggles and Ødegaard’s earlier predicament.
The club is eager to provide Güler with the platform to thrive, offering him more playing time and a defined role in their dynamic midfield.
Despite the midfielder’s frustrations, Madrid have not indicated any willingness to part ways with him permanently. Güler is regarded as one of the club’s future stars, alongside other young talents like Brazilian forward Endrick.
However, Madrid’s congested midfield and high competition for places have created challenges for younger players seeking consistent opportunities.
Before the international break, Ancelotti was asked about the limited roles for Güler and Endrick. “They are young people who are pushing,” he said. “But the collective idea is to turn things around as quickly as possible. Can you do that with them? Yes. But the objective is to turn it around, that is the priority. Not to give minutes to one player or another.”
Arsenal’s proactive interest in Güler reflects their broader ambitions to add depth and quality to their midfield as they compete on multiple fronts.
While it remains uncertain whether Real Madrid would entertain a loan or transfer for the Turkish star, the Gunners’ history of developing young talent and providing opportunities could make them an attractive destination for Güler.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can replicate the Ødegaard formula and secure another midfield gem from Madrid’s ranks.
