Arsenal are planning a bold move for Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, who is reportedly unsettled following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
The 19-year-old Turkish sensation, who joined Los Blancos from Fenerbahce in 2023, is considered one of Europe's best young attacking talents. He scored six goals in twelve games last season, but since Mbappé joined the team, playing time has been difficult for him to find.
The French superstar, who joined from PSG in the summer, has had a somewhat lackluster start at his new club despite scoring nine times in all competitions so far. He has mainly been deployed as a number 9, with Vinicius Jr. occupying his preferred position on the left flank, and he has looked a bit strange amid concerns that he is causing the team tactical headaches.
Nevertheless, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen to make this work and has started Mbappe, 25, in all but two of his side's matches this season. As such, Guler and fellow striker Endrick, 18, have had to settle for bit-part roles in the team, and according to the Independent, they are both open to leaving the club.
Guler is said to be particularly frustrated by the situation, especially after often starring for Madrid at the end of last season. It is believed that several top European clubs, including Arsenal, are considering a move for him, either on loan or permanently.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has no shortage of attacking options, having signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea and with the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri. But versatility and depth are essential to any title push, and Guler would offer Arsenal both, as well as a boost to their goal-scoring fortunes.
Reports in Spain claim that the London club have already launched an investigation into the Turkish international. However, Ancelotti recently played down rumors of the youngster's departure.
“[Endrick is] ready to play, doing very well and showing a lot of quality in training,” he told reporters. “I say the same about Guler. It's 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 goal is to turn the tide, that is the priority. Not to give minutes to one player or the other.”
Guler was signed by Madrid for £17 million last season but spent much of the season on the sidelines due to a series of injuries. However, when he returned to action, Guler made a real splash, finishing the season with five goals in his last five La Liga appearances.
Madrid rates Guler, whose contract runs until 2029, very highly and sees him as an important part of their long-term project. But it is understood they are open to loaning him out, and could even sanction a sale, provided a buyback clause is included in the deal – something that could open the door for Arsenal in January.
Juventus were left red-faced last month after their official X account, which had been hacked, 'announced' Guler's signing. The fake message, which included a photo of the player at an airport, read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler. Football's rising star is now part of the Juventus family. Ready to make history on this new travel?”.
Shortly afterwards, the Italian giants took to social media to set the record straight, saying: “Our English Juventus account has been compromised,” and urging fans to “dismiss the false information published on this account. to ignore. We are working on the issue.”
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