If a report in Spanish outlet Fichajes is to be believed then Premier League giants Arsenal are planning a move for Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.
The report claims that because Arda Guler has struggled to get constant game time this season, the Gunners are hoping they will be able to lure him out of the Bernabeu during the January transfer window. The midfielder’s lack of playing minutes has even been highlighted by his national team manager during the ongoing international break.
“Arda has shown immaturity in his performance,” Turkish manager Mustafa Denizii said at the weekend (h/t Football Espana). “It’s normal because he’s not in the same condition as when he went to Real Madrid. He doesn’t look happy there. We know that he has enjoyed few minutes and opportunities, but his rivals in the dressing room have stepped up their performances.”
How will the Turkish international fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans?
After Fabio Vieira’s exit in the summer, Mikel Arteta is left with Martin Odegaard as his only attacking midfielder so it’s hardly a debate that Arsenal need to bring in a new CAM during the middle of the season.
Odegaard had recently picked an injury and during the period, the Gunners really struggled to take control of matches. The North London side are going through a really poor run of form where they won just one out of their previous five league matches.
Arda Guler will be the ideal signing for Arsenal because the youngster has been really impressive whenever he’s played for Real Madrid and also Turkey. Guler is primarily a No. 10 but he can also play as a right-winger and this versatility can come in handy for Arteta.
This season he has played just 265 of league football but last campaign he made 6 goal contributions in 12 appearances for Madrid. It will be next to impossible for Arsenal to challenge Man City and Liverpool with just Martin Odegaard as their creative spark so it makes perfect sense that they are planning a move for Arda Guler at the start of the new year.
Will Real Madrid allow Arda Guler to leave in January?
After Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, Guler has fallen down the pecking order however Real Madrid still have very high hopes for the 19-year-old and there is no way they will agree to sell him in January permanently.
His current market value is €45 million and his contract expires in 2029 which means Arsenal will have to be ready to shell out at least €80-85 million for the Turkish international.
A short-term loan move will make much more sense because, at Arsenal, Arda Guler will be able to get a lot more game time than what he is seeing at the Bernabeu right now. The Gunners are attacking on all fronts which means they will play close to 65-70 games this season and Guler will get a lot of opportunities to make an impact under Mikel Arteta.
