Arsenal are aiming to repeat the Martin Odegaard transfer by bringing in Arda Güler from Real Madrid.

Arsenal are aiming to repeat the Martin Odegaard transfer by bringing in Arda Güler from Real Madrid.

️ @SPORT

Would love to see him in the Premier League.

| Arsenal have made contact with Real Madrid over the possible January transfer of midfielder Arda Guler.

Arda Güler’s Real Madrid career still hasn’t taken off. Nobody doubts the 19-year-old’s quality — and he’s a big fan favourite at the Bernabéu — but his minutes are limited under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and after his profile rocketed following a starring role at Euro 2024, it’s entirely predictable that he’s being linked with a move away.

Ancelotti has talked up his talent, calling him “the present and future of Real Madrid” and asking for patience, but the stats suggest that in the biggest games, like El Clásico, he isn’t willing to call on Güler. In fact, one of the criticisms of Ancelotti from fans and the Madrid media this season has been over his reluctance to use Güler and fellow teenager Endrick.

In terms of a switch to Arsenal, the Martin Ødegaard comparison is an attractive one, and the parallels are obvious: both are gifted, left-footed playmakers, young players who were snapped up by Madrid amid interest from big clubs all over Europe. Güler would also slot perfectly into the ‘Ødegaard role’ at Arsenal, on the right-hand side of a midfield three.

Ødegaard wasn’t willing to wait for his chance at Madrid, given the competition for places in midfield, and pushed to leave, first to Real Sociedad and then Arsenal. Güler hasn’t done the same yet. He and the club have both been insistent that a loan move isn’t on the cards. But if he continues to struggle to get into the team, and his development is under threat, that patience won’t last.