Arsenal are plotting 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. Last season, he notched six goals in 12 appearances, but has found game-time hard to come by since Mbappe joined the side.
The French superstar, who switched from PSG in the summer, has had a somewhat subdued start at his new club, despite scoring nine times in all competitions so far. He's been deployed primarily as a No. 9, with Vinicius Jr occupying his preferred position on the left-flank, and has looked a little out of sorts amid concerns he's causing tactical headaches for the team.
Nevertheless, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen to make it work and has started Mbappe, 25, in all but two of his side's matches this term. As such, Guler and fellow attacking starlet Endrick, 18, have had to settle for bit-part roles in the team, and according to the Independent, they're both open to leaving the club.
Guler is said to be particularly frustrated with the situation, especially after starring frequently for Madrid at the back-end of last season. Several top European clubs, including Arsenal, are understood to be considering a swoop for him, be it on loan or permanently.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta isn't lacking attacking options, having secured Chelsea's Raheem Sterling on loan and with the rise of Ethan Nwaneri. But versatility and depth are essential for any title push, and Guler would provide Arsenal with both, as well as with a boost to their goalscoring prowess.
Reports in Spain claim that the London club have already made an enquiry about the Turkey international. However, Ancelotti recently played down talk of the youngster leaving.
"[Endrick is] ready to play, doing very well, showing a lot of quality in training," he told reporters. "I say the same about Guler. They are 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 objective is to turn it around, that is the priority. Not to give minutes to one player or another."
Guler was snapped up by Madrid for £17million last season, but spent a good chunk of the campaign on the sidelines due to a string of injuries. However, when he returned to action, Guler made a real splash and ended the season with five goals in his final five La Liga appearances.
Madrid rate Guler, whose contract runs until 2029, very highly and view him as a key part of their long-term project. But it's understood they're open to loaning him out, and could even sanction a sale providing a buy-back clause is included in the deal - something which 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' the signing of Guler. The false post, which included a photo of the player at an airport, read: "Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler. The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family. Ready to make history on this new journey?".
Soon after, the Italian giants took to social media to set the record straight, stating: "Our Juventus English account has been compromised," and urged fans to "please ignore the false information being published on this account. We are working on the issue."
Wasciktz
8
A better move for mbappe to join EPL , he will do well