Ancelotti warns Arsenal against January transfer move for Real Madrid star

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has warned Arsenal against making a move for wonderkid Arda Guler.

Los Blancos signed the 19-year-old from Fenerbahce in 2023, handing him a six-year contract. But he has struggled to get chances under Ancelotti and has failed to find the net in his 13 appearances in 2024-25.

It is believed Guler became frustrated with his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu after impressing for Turkey at the 2024 European Championship. With the January transfer window just over a month away, the midfielder has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal.

The Gunners are said to have opened talks with the 19-year-old, with a loan preferred. But Ancelotti has now insisted that Guler remains a big part of his plans after starring in Madrid's victory over Leganes on Sunday.

“When the team plays well it is because everyone contributes. Arda contributed a lot in terms of creativity in the final third, he was close to goals and he played a complete game,” Ancelotti said.

“These are players we can count on at the moment because the demands of the matches are very high. We need everyone in the future.”

The victory kept reigning champions Madrid within four points of leaders Barcelona, ​​who were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday. Los Blancos still have a match to play against Barcelona ahead of their clash with lowly Getafe at the Bernabéu next weekend.

Last week it was claimed that Arsenal were hoping to repeat the success they achieved in signing Martin Odegaard by targeting Guler. He is said to be at the Bernabeu, where talks are already underway.

Arsenal are said to be among the teams that have contacted the player's representatives and are interested in a loan before signing permanently, although Guler is reportedly not yet given up on his breakthrough role at Real Madrid.

Although he remains a key figure for Turkey, former Spurs star Darren Bent has warned Arsenal against signing Guler. Bent does not believe the midfielder has the quality to get into the Gunners' lineup.

'Not for me. Do you want a grade out of five?' Bent said on talkSPORT's Insider Gooners podcast. 'He doesn't fit into the team. I think he is a very good player, I saw him at the European Championship, very talented. But do you trade one bench for another?

“He doesn't get the opportunities at Real Madrid. If he comes to Arsenal, there are better options, whether it is in width or in the number 10 role. I don't see that happening. Good player, but not for Arsenal, no. “