Arsenal targets Arda Guler as next Odegaard amid Real Madrid exit rumors

Arsenal targets Arda Guler as next Odegaard amid Real Madrid exit rumors Tezzbuzz | 14/04/2025 01:03:17

Premier League club Arsenal is preparing an offer worth 40 million euros ($43 million) for Real Madrid’s young midfielder Arda Guler, according to sources close to the negotiations.

The North London side hopes the talent from Türkiye can follow a development path similar to that of Martin Odegaard, another former Real Madrid player who has flourished at Arsenal.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) shakes hands with his player Arda Guler (L) during the La Liga week 2 football match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 25, 2024. (AA Photo)

The 20-year-old international is considered one of Europe’s most promising young playmakers. However, he has struggled to secure regular minutes under Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite appearing in 33 matches across all competitions this season, Guler has only logged 1,170 minutes, contributing three goals and seven assists.

According to a report from The Sun, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to add a technically gifted and creative midfielder to his squad, and Guler is currently the club’s primary target for the summer transfer window.

Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard — Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 12, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Arda Guler's Career Path Mirroring Odegaard?

Guler’s current situation closely mirrors Odegaard’s early career at Madrid. The Norwegian also joined Real at a young age but found limited opportunities in the first team.

Odegaard eventually made a permanent move to Arsenal in 2021, where he has since become a central figure and team captain under Arteta.

Martin Odegaard and Arda Guler on the bench for Real Madrid (Image by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)

Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that Guler has informed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his intention to leave the club if Ancelotti remains head coach next season.

The young midfielder is reportedly seeking a team where he can play consistently and continue developing.

Interest across Europe

While Arsenal is seen as the front-runner, several other European clubs are also monitoring Guler’s situation. Aston Villa has expressed interest from the Premier League, while Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt are also following the player.

In Serie A, both Milan and Inter are reportedly keen, with La Liga sides Sevilla and Real Sociedad also exploring the possibility of a move.

Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, looks on during the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey, round of 16 football match played between Real Madrid and RC Celta de Vigo at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Jan. 16, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. (AA Photo)

Dependent on Ancelotti’s future

Guler’s future at Madrid appears closely tied to Ancelotti’s. If the Italian manager stays, a departure for the Turkish midfielder seems likely. A managerial change, however, could provide Guler with a renewed opportunity to earn a more prominent role at the club.

Arsenal sees Guler as a strategic long-term investment—bringing in a young, technically skilled talent with the potential to make an immediate impact, much like Odegaard has done.