Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Aston Villa could make a shock swoop for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Guler.
Aston Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, has publicly admitted Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler is a player of interest ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Monchi has revealed Villa are hoping to add quality in attacking midfield, specifically with a player capable of getting “between the lines”. Guler, who has played just 1,088 minutes across all competitions for Madrid this season, is seen as a serious option.
Hide Ad
"He is a player who met a series of requirements that could be attractive to Aston Villa because we are looking for that position,” Monchi told Radio MARCA.
"I know him well because he's a player that every sporting director has followed in his career in Turkey. It's not the same position as Marco Asensio, but we're more or less looking for that profile between the lines who can play as a 10 and who can even play on the outside while coming in.”
Guler is yet to set the world alight at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring just three goals and making only five assists in 30 appearances, but the 20-year-old more than proved his capability at UEFA EURO 2024. The brightest star in a Turkey team that reached the quarter-finals, Guler scored one wonder strike and assisted two goals for his teammates.
Already a Madrid player at that point having signed from Fenerbahce in 2023 for around €20 million (£17 million), Guler’s pedigree was known well by Carlo Ancelotti. It’s taken a while for the Turk to properly establish himself at the Bernabeu, however, as he’s started just 10 games this campaign and only six during 2023/24.
Hide Ad
“Personally, I think he's a player with very good technical skills,” Monchi added. “I also think he has personality; he shows it when he plays for the national team. There, he takes on roles that aren't associated with his age."
Would Arda Guler sign for Aston Villa?
Despite attracting interest from Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, Guler has rubbished transfer speculation and maintained his desire to succeed with Los Blancos.
The forward, predominantly a right winger but also capable of playing as a central midfielder or as a number 10, is determined to earn an increase in minutes. It won’t be easy, but Guler’s dream is to become a Madrid legend – and he retains faith in the process.
"Real Madrid gave me a plan, and I still believe in it,” Guler told MARCA after scoring in Turkey’s 3-0 win over Hungary. “I’m sure I’ll succeed at Real Madrid; I’ve even bought a house in Madrid!
Hide Ad
“I work very hard and I’m always ready to play, as you could see in this match against Hungary. I love Real Madrid fans, and their support means a lot to me. I’m very grateful. I came to Real Madrid to play and be an important part of this team. And I won’t stop fighting until I achieve that."
It awaits to be seen whether Madrid currently share the same opinion as Guler but back in October it was reported - via Caught Offside - that Los Blancos would be willing to sell him for around €80 million (£67 million).
In other news, Villa are reportedly keen on signing a winger from Chelsea.