Transfer News: Arsenal want to sign Arda Guler from Real Madrid
Transfer News: Arsenal have reignited their chase of Real Madrid sensation Arda Guler this summer. Chelsea and Manchester City are also keeping a close watch on the situation as Mikel Arteta looks for fresh creative sparks in his midfield. (Via CaughtOffside)
The Gunners recently reached out to the 21-year-old’s camp to gauge his interest in a move, though early signs suggest the Turkish playmaker is happy at the Bernabeu and isn’t pushing to leave, despite the fight for minutes. Arsenal made a similar move back in 2025, only to be shut down by Madrid, but the North London side feel there is a new opening now with managerial uncertainty surrounding interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arteta is a big fan of Guler’s versatility, seeing him as someone who can rotate with Bukayo Saka on the right or step in as a top-tier alternative whenever Martin Odegaard’s fitness or form wavers. The Turkish international has the vision, the passing range, and the set-piece delivery that perfectly suits the way Arsenal’s system is moving.
How has he performed, and what are his traits?
He bagged 4 goals and 9 assists in the 2025/26 La Liga season over roughly 2,010 minutes, maintaining a phenomenal 84% passing accuracy while constantly driving the ball forward. Chelsea are also tracking the situation, and Manchester City could jump in if they decide to shake up their squad, as both teams are always in the market for young, quality players who work hard in tight spaces.
Guler is a baller when it comes to dribbling and keeping the ball under pressure, whether he’s dropping deep or playing high up the pitch. His pressing has improved, and he’s winning the ball back more often, showing real growth in his defensive work. On the flip side, his 5ft 9in frame means he can struggle in the air, and he still needs to get better at handling the physical side of the game when defenders get tight.
The Real Madrid starlet can sometimes be a split-second too slow in the build-up and turns the ball over more than some of the world’s elite midfielders. He’s clearly a high-upside talent rather than a finished product, but his technical ceiling is massive for his age.
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Will Real Madrid sell him?
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have no intention of selling a player they see as a cornerstone of their future. The faith shown by Xabi Alonso and now Arbeloa has kept Guler committed to the project, even when starts have been hard to come by.
Madrid are under no pressure to sell unless they need to fund a massive marquee signing, and whoever takes the permanent manager job this summer will likely want to keep him in Spain. A recent hamstring injury has cut his season short, but he is focused on getting fully fit in time for Turkey’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Chelsea and Manchester City know the Premier League’s intensity would be a massive test for Guler’s durability, but his creative upside is too good to ignore if Madrid’s stance ever shifts. Arsenal need to move fast if a door opens, though winning over both the player and the club remains a huge hurdle.
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In my view, this interest shows Arsenal are planning ahead to cover for Odegaard’s inconsistent patches, but a deal feels like a long shot without a major shake-up in Madrid. Guler’s vision and direct play would thrive under Arteta, but his physical limitations and loyalty to Real suggest that Arsenal, Chelsea, and City might be better off waiting rather than overpaying for a player who is settled in La Liga.