Arsenal will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old Turkish international Arda Guler from Real Madrid on a loan-to-buy deal in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Arda Guler is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile playmaker in the winter transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Real Madrid prospect has emerged as a target for the North London club.
The Premier League table-toppers view the Turk as a “potential Odegaard-like project, possible via a loan-to-buy structure” heading into the winter transfer window. However, Xabi Alonso is keen on keeping Guler at Real Madrid for the long haul, leaving Arsenal in a spot of bother.
How has Arda Guler fared at Real Madrid?
Arda Guler has endured a stop-start stint since joining Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in a deal worth €20 million in July 2023. Los Blancos beat intense competition to land the 20-year-old, and he has been on a topsy-turvy ride since then. Fitness issues plagued the 20-year-old in the early stages of his spell with Real Madrid, and he struggled for regular game time under Carlo Ancelotti.
That has changed since Xabi Alonso took over at Real Madrid, with the Spanish tactician making Guler a first-choice starter. The Turkish international has amassed over 1,500 minutes of game time across 25 appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season while chipping in with three goals and seven assists. The youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal.
London calling?
Arda Guler has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, even though the North London club signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window. However, Arsenal can do with more creativity from the middle of the park, compelling them to set their sights on Guler.
The latest report has revealed that the Premier League table-toppers view Guler as a “potential Odegaard-like project” for the long run, and they will attempt to secure his services in a loan-to-buy deal. Odegaard also initially joined Arsenal from Real Madrid on a loan deal before completing a permanent move.
However, a winter move may be a tall order, as Xabi Alonso is keen on keeping the 20-year-old Turkish international at the Santiago Bernabeu for the long haul. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can convince Guler to swap Real Madrid for North London in the coming weeks.