Arsenal ‘make contact’ with Real Madrid to sign Arda Guler
Guler has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring six goals in 24 appearances for Madrid
Arsenal are looking to replicate the success of their 2021 signing of Martin Ødegaard by targeting another young talent struggling to break through at Real Madrid.
The Gunners secured Odegaard in a £30million deal after a successful loan spell at the Emirates, bringing in the Norway international who had been touted as a footballing prodigy when Real Madrid signed him from Strømsgodset at just 16 years old.
Despite the hype, Ødegaard made only 11 appearances for Madrid, spending time on loan at Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad before Los Blancos decided to cash in. Arsenal have certainly benefited from the move.
Now, Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to strike again. Spanish outlet Sport reports that Arsenal are targeting 19-year-old Turkish international Arda Güler, who has struggled to secure a regular place in Real Madrid’s starting lineup.
The young talent was signed by the Spanish giants in 2023 from Fenerbahçe on a six-year contract.
Güler has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring six goals in 24 appearances for Madrid, but has yet to find the net in 12 outings during the 2024/25 season.
Reports suggest that Güler is unhappy with his limited role at the Bernabéu, having started just three matches this season.
Arsenal are reportedly one of several clubs to have approached the player’s representatives, with the Gunners exploring the possibility of securing a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent.
However, Güler is said to still be hopeful of breaking into Madrid’s first team.
Yet, it appears he may have to be patient.
Earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti indicated that both Güler and Endrick were ready for more playing time, but the Italian coach has shown reluctance to give them significant minutes.
“[Endrick is] ready to play, doing very well, showing a lot of quality in training,” he said.
“I say the same about Güler. They are young people who are pushing. But the collective idea is to turn things around as quickly as possible.
“Can you do that with them? Yes. But the objective is to turn it around, that is the priority.
“Not to give minutes to one player or another.”
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