Arsenal are in a race against time to sign Arda Guler, who also has big interest from Barcelona and Newcastle United.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal could sign Arda Guler after expressing interest. There is a slight problem, as interested clubs face a race against time, with plenty of complications in the transfer of the 18-year-old midfield sensation.
Arda Guler undoubtedly remains one of the promising young talents in Europe. He is coming on the back of a sensational breakthrough season at Fenerbahce, with the club rueing some of the decisions with the 18-year-old midfield sensation.
For starters, a clause in his contract allows Guler to leave for around £15 million. It was activated after the 18-year-old midfield sensation played over 1,500 minutes last season. Fabrizio Romano revealed the stipulation earlier in the month, which makes Guler a steal for many top clubs.
Arsenal entered the race recently, as the potential price point may have enticed Mikel Arteta into looking at the player. The Gunners do not need a new attacking midfielder, but Guler’s talents could place him on their shortlist.
Arsenal are flush with attacking midfield talent, and the 18-year-old midfield sensation would only add quality to this squad. He could learn from Martin Odegaard and compete against Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira. However, any move has complications, including the actual price and intense competition. In addition, Fenerbahce are keen on keeping hold of the youngster.
Some reports suggested Guler is keen to join Real Madrid. There is considerable interest from the Spanish capital in addition to Barcelona and Newcastle United. The latter are angling a move for the low price and the value to develop youngsters in the squad.
Barcelona, in particular, are looking out for bargain deals. They have signed Ilkay Gundogan, with Inigo Martinez set to follow suit on a free transfer. Yet, they will find the funds to secure a generational talent like the 18-year-old midfield sensation.
Contrastingly, Newcastle United do not worry about money at this stage. But they will have to prove their worth to Guler before signing him. However, all these interested clubs face the prospect of paying more than the release clause, as their agents demand a massive commission package.
That could come as a sticking point for Arsenal and especially Barcelona. Moreover, Guler has come under pressure to sign a new deal at Fenerbahce, who want to increase the release clause. Hence, it is a race against time for all those interested sides to get a deal agreed quickly.
Whether Arsenal are serious about their interest remains the question. However, there is every chance for the Gunners to chase the midfielder for his talents and future potential. But Barcelona and Newcastle United will look to beat Arsenal to the post.
