Ancelotti warns Arsenal against January transfer move for Real Madrid star

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

Los Blancos signed the 19-year-old in 2023 from Fenerbahce and handed him a six-year deal. But he has struggled for chances under Ancelotti and has failed to find the net in his 13 outings in 2024/25.

Guler is thought to have been growing frustrated over his lack of game-time at the Bernabeu, having impressed for Turkey at Euro 2024. With the January transfer window just over a month away, the midfielder emerged as a potential target for Arsenal.

The Gunners were reported to have opened talks with the 19-year-old, with a loan deal their preference. But Ancelotti has now moved to insist that Guler remains a big part of his plans after starring in Madrid's win over Leganes on Sunday.

"When the team plays well it’s because everyone contributes. Arda has contributed a lot when it comes to creativity in the final third, he has been close to scoring goals, he has played a complete game," Ancelotti said.

"These are players that we can count on at this moment because the demands of the games are very high. We need everyone going forward."

The win ensured reigning champions Madrid kept themselves within four points of leaders Barcelona, who were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday. Los Blancos have a game in hand over Barca ahead of their clash with lowly Getafe at the Bernabeu next weekend.

It was claimed last week that Arsenal had been hoping to repeat the success they found in signing Martin Odegaard by targeting Guler. It is said he is at the Bernabeu, with talks already underway.

Arsenal are understood to be one of a number of teams to have contacted the player's representatives and are interested in securing a loan before making a permanent signing, though Guler is said to have not given up on breaking through at Real Madrid just yet.

While he remains a key man for Turkey, former Spurs star Darren Bent has cautioned Arsenal against signing Guler. Bent does not believe the midfielder has the quality to make it into the Gunners' line-up.

"Not for me. You want a grade out of five? said Bent on talkSPORT’s Insider Gooners podcast. "He won’t fit the squad. I think he’s a very good player, I saw him at the Euros, very talented. But will you swap one bench for another?

"At Real Madrid he’s not getting the opportunities. Coming to Arsenal there are better options, be it out wide or in the No.10 role. I can’t see that one happening. Good player, but, not for Arsenal, no."