Deco wants Barcelona to beat Real Madrid to 18-year-old Turkish prodigy Arda Guler, whose price tag is €17.5 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Arda Guler remains the subject of interest from Barcelona. And Deco’s latest order of business as the Catalan club’s new sporting director will be to secure his services. The 18-year-old Fenerbahce prodigy is also a target for Real Madrid, with his price tag being €17.5 million.
Arda Guler is the most highly-rated prospect in his homeland. The Turkish wonderkid spent most of his formative years with Genclerbirligi SK before joining Fenerbahce in 2019. Since then, he has come leaps and bounds while establishing a foothold in the first-team squad after making his debut as a 16-year-old in August 2021.
The 18-year-old midfield sensation enjoyed a solid 2022/23 campaign, as he was a regular while still being in his teens. Guler chipped in with six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances in all competitions. And the Turkish prodigy’s progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been among his prospective suitors.
Real Madrid recently rekindled the interest in the teenage whizkid. And they are working on the deal to sign the youngster, whose price tag is a mere €17.5 million. But they want to loan him back to Fenerbahce in the summer transfer window to ensure his progress does not hit a brick wall.
As for how Guler will fit in at Real Madrid in the long run, the 18-year-old can be a solution in the midfield and attack. And his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for Real Madrid. But Deco is reportedly pushing Barcelona to beat Los Blancos to the Turk’s signature this summer.
The 18-year-old prodigy has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time. And amid uncertainties surrounding Franck Kessie, he can be a long-term midfield solution for Barcelona. In addition, Guler’s ability to play on the right flank makes him an option for the offensive unit. And Barcelona should be able to afford to pay €17.5 million to secure his services.
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Guler has a big decision on his hands heading into the summer transfer window. Barcelona and Real Madrid are attractive destinations, but he needs to prioritise his growth. And it will be interesting to see where he plies his trade in the 2023/24 season.
