Arsenal eye 'another Martin Odegaard case' with move for Real Madrid outcast Arda Guler as Gunners consider initial loan approach

Back in 2015, Real Madrid secured the highly sought-after signature of a teenage Odegaard, beating fierce competition from top European clubs. However, he struggled to cement a place in Los Blancos’ star-studded midfield, which included Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro, and spent multiple stints out on loan. Arsenal capitalised on this situation by bringing the Norwegian midfielder to the Emirates Stadium on loan in the winter of 2021, eventually signing him permanently for €40 million (£34m/$47m) six months later. Odegaard has since flourished under Mikel Arteta, becoming a pivotal player and the club's captain.

According to Sport, the Gunners are now hoping to repeat this success story with Guler, a 19-year-old Turkish prodigy who dazzled for his country during Euro 2024. However, his immense potential has largely gone untapped at Real Madrid, where he has been limited to just 307 minutes of first-team football across 12 appearances.

Guler joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Fenerbahce for €20m, signing a contract that ties him to the club until 2029. However, his limited game time has sparked speculation about his future, with reports suggesting that the player is growing frustrated with his lack of involvement.

Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when Guler could be open to seeking more regular playing time elsewhere. A potential loan move could allow him to showcase his talents in the Premier League while also providing Arsenal with a chance to assess his fit for their squad before committing to a long-term deal.

Given his creative flair and technical abilities, Guler could thrive under Arteta’s guidance and add depth to Arsenal’s midfield options. However, Real Madrid see him as a potential Galactico and will likely be reluctant to part ways with the player. Moreover, with fixtures coming thick and fast, Ancelotti will rotate heavily in the second phase of the campaign which will eventually open up opportunities for Guler to impress.