Arda Guler has quietly moved back into Arsenal’s thinking as January plans take shape. The interest is not new, but the timing feels different this time. Arsenal are top of the Premier League and weighing whether a short-term addition could help maintain momentum. A familiar path is being discussed again, even if the outcome remains uncertain. This is not a rushed move. It feels measured. It also feels familiar.
WHY ARSENAL ARE LOOKING AGAIN
Arsenal are in a strong position, but Mikel Arteta is not standing still. January offers limited chances to improve a squad without disruption. When opportunities appear, Arsenal are willing to listen. Guler fits that category. He has been admired for some time. His technical level is clear. His ceiling is high.
According to reports, Arteta has asked the club to explore what might be possible. The idea is not a permanent deal. Not yet. It is about access. And timing.
🚨NEW | According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are intensifying their pursuit of Real Madrid's Arda Güler, with reports suggesting a potential €80m offer to secure the 20-year-old Turkish attacking midfielder.
However, Real Madrid and manager Xabi Alonso view Güler as a… pic.twitter.com/4Zq8qrdRaS
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) January 3, 2026
THE ODEGAARD COMPARISON RETURNS
The parallels are obvious. Arsenal have been here before. When Martin Odegaard arrived from Real Madrid, he did so on loan. Expectations were controlled. Pressure was low. That move changed everything.
Guler is now at a similar stage. He needs minutes. He needs rhythm. Development slows when matches are watched rather than played. Arsenal believe they can offer that environment again. They also believe patience matters.
REAL MADRID’S CURRENT POSITION
This is where things become complicated. Real Madrid do not want to lose Guler. Not now. Under Xabi Alonso, the Turkish attacker has been trusted more than last season. He started the campaign brightly. His link-up with Kylian Mbappe caught attention early.
Form has dipped in recent weeks. Consistency has been harder to find. That happens in crowded squads. Still, Madrid view Guler as part of the present, not just the future. A sale is not being considered. Even a loan is far from guaranteed.
WHY A LOAN MAKES SENSE FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal are not pushing for control. That matters. Their preferred option is a loan for the second half of the season, with a conversation later if things work. It limits risk. It protects squad balance and gives Guler exposure without commitment.
Competition exists. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked. Arsenal know that. What helps their case is clarity. They can offer a defined role. They can offer trust and can point to precedent. That does not mean a deal is close.
THE PLAYER’S VIEWPOINT
Guler has not pushed for an exit. He remains committed. But regular football matters at this stage of a career. Madrid’s squad depth makes minutes unpredictable. Even strong performances do not guarantee starts. A temporary move could appeal if assurances exist. Nothing has been decided. Conversations remain early. For now, he stays focused on Madrid duties.
JANUARY REALITY CHECK
Much depends on Madrid. Their season is long. Injuries happen. Rotation matters. If they close the door, Arsenal will move on. They are not short of options. This is not desperation. January rarely rewards forcing situations.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This feels less like a transfer push and more like a familiar check. Arsenal knows what worked once and are exploring whether conditions allow it again. Guler’s talent is not in doubt, but timing is everything. If Madrid soften, Arsenal will be ready. If not, this may remain an idea rather than a move. Either way, the conversation itself says a lot about where Arsenal now see themselves.
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