Barcelona are advancing their efforts to sign Arda Guler, but there are complications amid finances and interest from sides like Arsenal.
Rudy Galetti has suggested that Barcelona are advancing in talks to sign Arda Guler, but there are plenty of complications in completing a deal. Arsenal are also among a host of top clubs keen on the 18-year-old Fenerbahce sensation, with finances also set to complicate matters for the Catalans.
Arda Guler has been in the news owing to the interest from some of the big clubs in world football. A host of continental and Premier League sides have shown an interest in the 18-year-old Turkish sensation. The attacking midfielder seems relaxed about the situation, as his representatives will evaluate all offers soon.
Many top teams remain interested in Guler, with the 18-year-old intent on leaving Fenerbahce in this window as he wants to upgrade his career at a bigger club. The Turkish giants are still trying to extend his deal and possibly place an improved release clause.
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed Guler’s contract has a €17.5 million release clause, which became active after the player played more than 1,500 minutes last season. Top clubs have immediately sniffed around for his signature, including Barcelona.
🚨🗣️ Arda #Guler, the only certainty on his future is that the player wants to leave #Fenerbahce this summer for a big leap in a 🇪🇺 top club.
📌 #Barcelona are advancing in the talks, but – to date – nothing agreed.
🔥 Other clubs (#Arsenal incl.) are still in the race.🐓⚽ https://t.co/HKR1v4dloK pic.twitter.com/ry59GOoIy7
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 3, 2023
Despite their financial uncertainty, Barcelona hold a tremendous interest in Guler and could arrange for the money to bring the Fenerbahce star. They are ready to compete with their rivals, and Rudy Galetti has claimed that the Catalans are advancing in conversations with the 18-year-old’s representatives.
The big concern for Barcelona could come from the extra costs demanded by Guler’s agents. Talk of a €20 million commission on top of the €17.5 million is not good news for the Catalans in pursuing the Fenerbahce star.
On the other hand, arch-rivals Real Madrid are also in the race, as are Arsenal and Newcastle United. Talk of a move to the Gunners accelerated after Mikel Arteta reportedly identified Guler as a good addition. The 18-year-old will likely upgrade their current options in a position that includes Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe.
Martin Odegaard and now Kai Havertz are also mainstays in that position, with Guler likely to play first-choice backup if he arrives. The Gunners’ project will entice any young player, but the lure of Barcelona may trump that. Hence, there is a big chance for the Catalans to get this deal over the line, but they will have to manoeuvre complications.
