The latest transfer rumours have seen Arsenal credited with interest in signing Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler. The January transfer window opens in six weeks time and Mikel Arteta may be interesting in bolstering his squad.
According to reports in Spain, the Gunners are eyeing a move for Guler, with the teenager unhappy with his game time at Los Blancos. Sport claim that this has prompted clubs to show an interest, with Arsenal one of those named.
The Gunners apparently see the Turkey international as a similar move to the one they made for Martin Odegaard, who was also struggling for game time at Real Madrid. Guler has made 12 appearances for Madrid this season, although many of those have been cameo appearances off the bench, with the teenager on the pitch for just 307 minutes so far. In that time he is yet to score or make an assist.
Despite his lack of game time, Guler is a huge talent and his performances at the back end of last campaign for Real Madrid and at the Euros for Turkey prove this. Jose Mourinho, who is the current boss of Fenerbahce, is also a huge admirer of the 19-year-old, who is valued at €45million (£37.5million) by transfermarkt.
In an interview to HT Spor, the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham boss said: “Arda is showing great personality and exceptional quality. To play at that club, personality is crucial. Players must internalize that they are good enough to play there. They can’t be afraid.
“[Carlo] Ancelotti is a great coach to learn from. Playing for the Turkish national team and competing in major events like the Euro is also important for him to feel the responsibility of representing a great country.”
He added: “The biggest club in the world can only have the best players in the world. Real Madrid is doing an incredible job signing the top 10 players in the world or the top 10 with the greatest potential. Vinicius and Rodrygo were signed when they were kids, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler when they were very young, and now Endrick.”
It remains to be seen if Guler, who can operate as a right winger and attacking midfielder, seals an exit away from Real Madrid in January. If a move to Arsenal did come to fruition, the teenager could act as decent cover for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, while also adding to Arteta’s attacking options.
