Real Madrid's decision to sack Xabi Alonso could work in Arsenal's favour, with the Gunners being linked to a key player
Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Arsenal have been linked with one of Real Madrid's star players(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Arsenal have been linked with a potential move for Arda Guler since before his move to Real Madrid. The Spanish club's current troubles could offer the Gunners a chance to finally land the long-standing target.
Guler has been regarded as a prodigy since bursting onto the scene with Fenerbahce at just 16, and was swiftly dubbed the 'Turkish Messi'. Arsenal were initially rumoured to be keen on the attacking midfielder back in 2022, though he eventually chose to join Los Blancos in 2023.
Injuries delayed his Real Madrid debut, but he quickly made up for the setback, finishing the 2023/24 season with six goals in 10 La Liga appearances. However, it was under Xabi Alonso's short-lived tenure in Madrid that Guler established himself as a regular starter.
The 20-year-old was substituted by AC Milan-bound Luka Modric on three separate occasions during the summer's Club World Cup, indicating who Alonso viewed as the Croatian's heir in midfield. Yet the manager's dismissal could disrupt those plans and enable Arsenal to pounce, either this month or in the next transfer window.
ESPN has reported that the Gunners are keen on Guler. A transfer is said to be more likely in the summer, though Arsenal remain willing to make a major signing this month should the perfect opportunity arise.
From Real Madrid's standpoint, ESPN reports that the Spanish giants chose not to pursue Arsenal summer recruit Martin Zubimendi because of their confidence in Guler's progression as a central midfielder. The Turkey international is already approaching his total minutes from the previous campaign, having netted three goals and provided 10 assists across 30 outings in all competitions.
Despite Alonso's exit, Guler has continued to feature under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. He recorded his most recent assist of the season after coming on at half-time in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory against Levante at the weekend. However, Guler's strong bond with Alonso was evident in his tribute to his former boss.
After Alonso's dismissal, Guler posted on Instagram: "Mr. Xabi Alonso, Thank you for believing and trusting in me from the first day. Every conversation, every detail, every demand helped shape my game and push me to a higher level.
Arda Guler and Xabi Alonso
Arda Guler thrived during his time working under Xabi Alonso(Image: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
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"I'm truly grateful for everything you added to my journey. Your faith in me made me a better player. Wishing you and your staff nothing but success in what comes next. Your impact will always stay with me."
The admiration between Alonso and Guler was mutual. In October, the former Liverpool star explained he saw elements of Los Blancos icon Guti and Arsenal hero Mesut Ozil in Guler's style of play.
The ex-Real Madrid manager said: "With his quality, he's a mix between Ozil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special - that natural talent you can't teach."
Alonso continued: "We have to keep pushing him and supporting him, but we're very happy with the influence he's having on our game."
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