Arsenal have been linked with Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler with reports suggesting he has a €17.5million (£15million) release clause in his contract
Mikel Arteta is in need of depth in wide areas and the midfield, and considering the versatile star is at the very beginning of his career, it could be a smart move for either club moving forward. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Guler has a €17.5million (£15million) release clause included in his current contract.
football.london understands Arsenal are prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice, whilst Moises Caicedo is also a target for the Gunners. However, a move for Guler could be sanctioned due to his versatility and ability at such a young age.
As the transfer window officially opens, Arsenal are expected to begin their business swiftly and have now been tipped to make a move for the Fenerbahce starlet. With that in mind, let's take a brief look at his background and career so far.
Guler's path so far
Born in Ankara, Turkey, in February 2005, Guler started his youth career at Ankara-based club, Genclerbirligi.
The midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year-long professional contract with Fenerbahce, on January 13, 2021. At the start of 2022–23 season, Guler was given the number 10 shirt, which has a special meaning for Fenerbahce fans, being the number of club legend Alex de Souza.
On April 10, 2022, Fenerbahce hosted Galatasaray and one banner stood out among all the rest inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. As cited by GOAL, it read: "Arda Guler: The Turkish Messi." The sign was held aloft by a 20-year-old fan who had travelled from London to be at one of the most passionate games anywhere in world football.
In March 2022, the club announced that he had agreed a new three-year deal. Guler has made 29 Fenerbache appearances since making his first-team debut last season, registering three goals and an assist in 13 outings this term. He has also been called-up to the Turkish national team.
Guler played 35 times in the 2022/23 season, scoring six goals and providing a further seven assists. He completed 2.9 key passes per game this season (via WhoScored) - a tally bettered by only five other players in the Turkish top division.
In addition, he has completed an average of two successful dribbles per game, with only team-mate Emre Mor recording a higher amount. His average rating for the season (7.32) is the fourth-highest of any active player in the division.
Guler's contract is not set to expire until 2025 - but a reported £15million release clause could see him be available on the cheap this summer.
Teamgame
2
remember the time... when every Argentinian young talents were labeled as "next Maradona". The ideal has changed now
FcBayernFürimmer
2
lol there Been 3 Turkish messi's and umpteen other nationality messi's in the last 15 years!! 😵💫🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Reubdelouy
1
let him come don't waste time
GopsAmeshu
2
after some few years, Haaland or mbappe will break Cr7 record and his name will only get diminished due to the fact that when world cup, ballon D'or and all round player are discussed, only Messi will be left to discuss. That time some who compare them and support cr7 will find it foolish to ever think Ronaldo is Messi level... Case closed
SaadAkhtarKhan
2
there have been many players labelled "next Messi" but this guy is the closest of them all. All these guys in the comments know nothing about football other than the mainstream competitions lol. I have few Turkish relatives and they all claim this guy has potential to be the country's best ever..go watch his playstyle in YouTube and you'll under the Messi similarity
foubemnpt
0
here we go again. another future Messi [Crylaugh]. they always say the next Messi, but we all know that there's only been one Messi, and there will never be another Messi again.
donjoemerald
0
Arsenal always looking for a player without a familiar name so that they can even get them for free or on loan.
Liybeirs
0
There is ONLY one MESSI. There cannot be any Turkish Messi you fools
AresSon
1
Because his Looked on by Barca instantly becomes Messi ? how many Messi's has we seen whom ended up a complete Blimp of a past. I think he has to go to BVB or Monaco or even Lile his a great young prospect but Barcelona would be a wrong move they don't play attacking midfield they utilize wingers mostly with a long ball over the top!
lonely_loser
1
Arsenal should pen him soon, or else Chelsea will. 😂
papaeinrz
1
fr everyone they call messi always becomes a flop
PUTA_PSG
5
Turkish Lionel Messi 🤣 don't destroy his career.. Let him write his own name.