According to reports, Arsenal is keen to pull off “another Martin Odegaard case” by making an initial loan bid for Arda Guler, a Real Madrid renegade.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In 2015, Real Madrid defeated strong competition from elite European teams to sign the much sought-after young Odegaard. He endured several stints on loan, though, since he was unable to establish himself in Los Blancos’ all-star midfield, which featured Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro. In the winter of 2021, Arsenal took advantage of this circumstance by moving the Norwegian midfielder to the Emirates Stadium on loan. Six months later, they signed him permanently for €40 million (£34 million/$47 million). Since then, Odegaard has thrived under Mikel Arteta, rising to the position of captain and key player.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Gunners now hope to replicate this success story with Guler, a 19-year-old Turkish prodigy who wowed for his nation at Euro 2024, according to Sport. But at Real Madrid, where he has only played 307 minutes of first-team football in 12 games, his enormous potential has mainly gone unrealized.

WERE YOU AWARED?

For €20 million, Guler left Fenerbahce to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, with a deal that would keep him with the team until 2029. His little amount of gaming time, however, has raised questions regarding his future because rumors have it that the player is becoming impatient with his lack of participation.

Guler may be amenable to looking for more consistent playing time elsewhere at the moment of Arsenal’s interest. In addition to giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in the Premier League, a possible loan move would provide Arsenal an opportunity to evaluate his suitability for their team before committing to a long-term contract.

GULER, WHAT COMES NEXT?

Guler might flourish under Arteta’s tutelage and provide Arsenal’s midfield choices more depth thanks to his technical prowess and creative flair. Real Madrid, on the other hand, see him as a possible Galactico and is probably hesitant to let him go. Additionally, Ancelotti will rotate a lot in the second half of the season due to the influx of fixtures, which will finally give Guler more chances to make an impression.