Arsenal have renewed their strong interest in signing Turkish talent Arda Güler, the Real Madrid midfielder, making him their top priority to bolster their squad during the upcoming winter transfer window. This move comes at the direct recommendation of Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, who sees the player as a valuable addition to the Gunners' ambitious project.
Replicating Martin Odegaard's experience
Reports from CaughtOffside indicate that Arsenal are looking to replicate their successful move with Norwegian Martin Ødegaard. The current Arsenal captain joined the club from Real Madrid, initially on loan, before making the transfer permanent and becoming a key player for the London side. Arsenal hope to persuade Real Madrid to agree to a similar arrangement: loaning Ødegaard for the second half of the current season with an option to buy next summer.
Arda Guler's situation at Real Madrid
Despite his undeniable talent, which was on full display during his time with the Turkish national team at Euro 2024, the 19-year-old has struggled for regular playing time under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid's squad is packed with midfield and attacking stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé, limiting Güler's opportunities for consistent appearances and potentially leading him to seriously consider leaving in search of further development.
Fierce competition and Arsenal's goals
Arsenal is not the only club interested in the services of the "Turkish Messi," as reports indicate similar interest from Premier League giants such as Liverpool and Manchester United, who are closely monitoring the player's situation. However, Arsenal appears to be the most serious contender, driven by their determination to maintain their momentum in the Premier League title race, which has eluded the club for over two decades. The London club's management understands that strengthening their bench with high-quality players is key to remaining in the long run.
Real Madrid's position
Despite the pressure, Real Madrid's official stance remains inclined to keep the player, as the management sees him as a potential future star. However, a loan deal could be a compromise that satisfies all parties; the player would get playing time, Real Madrid would benefit from his development, and Arsenal would achieve its immediate goal of strengthening its squad.
