Arsenal must look elsewhere for a versatile young attacker, with Real Madrid not ready to part ways with 19-year-old Turkish international Arda Guler.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Arda Guler is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners want to repeat the “Odegaard operation” by signing the Real Madrid wonderkid. However, Florentino Perez has pulled the plug on the Turkish prodigy’s departure, with Los Blancos not ready to part ways with any player in the January transfer window.
Arda Guler and his Real Madrid career so far
Arda Guler has endured a frustrating period since joining Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in July 2023. The reigning La Liga champions beat stiff competition from other European bigwigs to land the young Turk. However, fitness issues and an intense battle for places in the offensive unit have greatly restricted his game time.
The 19-year-old showed promising signs after overcoming his fitness issues to end his debut season on a high. However, Guler has managed only 307 minutes of game time across 12 appearances in all competitions, with first-team action coming at a premium for the highly-rated playmaker.
Guler usually secures more game time for his national side, and the situation has left him visibly frustrated. Meanwhile, the Turkish international’s woes have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Arsenal will be one of his prospective suitors next year.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Arda Guler is understandable. The Turk is primarily a central attacking midfielder and essays roles similar to Martin Odegaard. However, he can also play on the flanks, making him a viable alternative to Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka. Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal will look to repeat the “Odegaard operation” by signing the Real Madrid prodigy.
Odegaard was also frustrated at Real Madrid after failing to become a regular for the Real Madrid first team. So, Guler is a viable target for Arsenal. However, Florentino Perez has dealt a blow to Arsenal’s prospects, with the Real Madrid president ruling out the youngster’s departure.
So, Arsenal must look elsewhere for a new offensive reinforcement, with Real Madrid not ready to part ways with any player in the January transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the 19-year-old Turkish international.
