Arsenal - Fabrizio Romano - Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal explored the possibility of signing Real Madrid star Arda Guler last year, prior to Andrea Berta’s arrival as the club’s new sporting director.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano disclosed that the Gunners seriously considered a move for the 20-year-old Turkish international between October and November 2024. However, the plan never advanced to negotiations due to changes at both clubs.
“There was a club planning for an attack to try to get Arda Güler before Xabi Alonso arrived and closed every single door for this possibility, as the player also did in the recent years, because he always wanted to play for Madrid. That club was Arsenal,” Romano said.
“Arsenal considered the possibility around October, November again before Andrea Berta got appointed as the new director.”
Arsenal reportedly viewed Guler’s situation as similar to that of Martin Odegaard, who joined the North London club after struggling for minutes at the Bernabeu. With Carlo Ancelotti limiting Guler’s playing time, the Gunners saw an opening to pursue him as a long-term midfield addition.
Arda Guler (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the circumstances quickly shifted. The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager gave Guler a fresh start, with the youngster going on to start every game this season and becoming an integral part of Los Blancos’ strong La Liga campaign. Simultaneously, Arsenal’s transfer direction pivoted under Berta, who prioritised different targets.
“New director at Arsenal Andrea Berta, new coach at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, new life for Arda Guler at Real Madrid starting all games and so no chance, it didn’t become a negotiation,” Romano explained.
As a result, Arsenal never moved beyond internal discussions, and no formal approach was made to Real Madrid.
Since then, the Gunners have focused on strengthening elsewhere, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze this summer as they mount another push for the Premier League title.
Romano stressed that Arsenal’s interest in Guler was genuine, but ultimately undone by timing.
“I can guarantee to you that in the internal conversation around end of October, November 2024, Arda Güler was a topic for Arsenal,” he confirmed.
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