Arsenal Targets Arda Güler to Repeat Ødegaard Success

Arsenal is reportedly interested in replicating their success with Martin Ødegaard by acquiring another young talent from Real Madrid, with sources claiming the Premier League club has its eye on Turkish midfielder Arda Güler. According to reports by SPORT, Arsenal’s interest in Güler mirrors their previous approach with Ødegaard, who was brought in on loan from Madrid in 2021 before securing a permanent move in 2022. The Gunners’ success with Ødegaard—who now serves as the team’s captain—has them looking for a similar opportunity to bring Güler to North London.

Martin Ødegaard’s journey to Arsenal was a story of perseverance amid stiff competition at Real Madrid. The Norwegian midfielder made headlines when Madrid signed him as a 15-year-old from Stromsgodset for a record-setting initial fee of €4 million ($4.25 million) in 2014. His arrival at the Bernabéu set the record for the youngest player in the club’s history, but it also placed him in an incredibly competitive environment. At Madrid, Ødegaard was faced with an imposing midfield that featured legendary players such as Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro, among others. Despite his considerable talent, Ødegaard struggled for game time, often finding it difficult to break into a star-studded lineup. He spent time on loan at several clubs, including Heerenveen and Vitesse in the Netherlands, and Real Sociedad in Spain, before finally moving to Arsenal on loan in 2021.

The temporary move to Arsenal proved to be a turning point in Ødegaard’s career. Impressive performances on loan led to a permanent transfer worth £30 million ($38 million) in August 2021. Within a year, Ødegaard was named Arsenal’s captain, a role he has since embraced, contributing significantly to the club’s rise in the Premier League standings and their continued progress in European competitions. Ødegaard’s development at Arsenal highlighted how a well-timed loan and a stable environment can help a player thrive.

Now, Arsenal is reportedly looking to repeat the same strategy with Arda Güler, a young Turkish prodigy who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Fenerbahçe for a transfer fee of €20 million ($21.15 million). Güler’s arrival at Madrid was met with high expectations. The attacking midfielder, highly regarded for his vision and technical ability, was expected to contribute to Madrid’s midfield and attack in their pursuit of more trophies. However, Güler has yet to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Carlo Ancelotti, struggling to break into a lineup that already includes players of exceptional quality. His appearances have been limited to sporadic cameos in Madrid’s treble-winning 2023-2024 season, with Güler not playing a prominent role in the team’s most recent matches. This lack of playing time has led to growing speculation that Güler is dissatisfied with his situation at the Bernabéu.

Güler, along with fellow youngster Endrick, has found it challenging to secure a consistent spot in Madrid’s matchday squad. The two have struggled to earn regular minutes, with neither player featuring prominently in the club’s last six matches. For Güler, who is still adjusting to life at Madrid, the lack of regular playtime may have caused frustration, and some in his homeland believe he is unhappy in Spain.

Reports suggest that Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation and could attempt to bring Güler to the Premier League, possibly on loan, as early as January. The idea of Güler moving to Arsenal on loan mirrors the Ødegaard scenario, where a temporary move could serve as a stepping stone for a permanent deal. If Güler performs well in the Premier League, it could lay the groundwork for a permanent transfer, much like Ødegaard’s journey to North London.

If Güler does indeed make the move to Arsenal, he would join a club in excellent form, with the Gunners competing at the top of the Premier League and establishing themselves as serious contenders in European competitions. The Premier League could offer a fresh challenge for Güler, one that might help him regain confidence and rediscover the form that made him one of Turkey’s brightest young talents.

Arsenal’s interest in Güler is based on the club’s successful track record with young players, particularly those who have struggled for playing time at bigger clubs. By offering Güler a stable environment where he could develop, the Gunners could help him reach his potential. The club has shown a commitment to nurturing young talent, as evidenced by Ødegaard’s rise to prominence.

For Real Madrid, the decision to part ways with Güler could come with mixed emotions. While Güler has not yet lived up to his potential at Madrid, the club’s transfer strategy typically revolves around balancing short-term success with long-term investment. Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez has a history of making shrewd business decisions, and while letting Ødegaard go for a relatively low fee was a rare misstep, the Norwegian midfielder’s development at Arsenal has proven profitable for both parties. Ødegaard is now valued at €110 million ($116 million) by Transfermarkt, a sharp increase from his original transfer fee.

Güler, currently valued at €45 million ($47.5 million) by Transfermarkt, could also prove to be a valuable asset for Madrid, especially if he is able to fulfill his potential in another environment. A loan move could allow Madrid to assess his development while recouping part of their investment. If Güler performs well in the Premier League, it could increase his market value, potentially allowing Madrid to make a profit down the line.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Güler is an example of the club’s calculated risk, seeking to replicate the success they had with Ødegaard by bringing in another young player who may benefit from a change of scenery. If Güler joins the Gunners and excels, it could prove to be another masterstroke in the club’s recruitment strategy. For Güler, the Premier League could be the perfect environment for him to showcase his talents and take the next step in his career, while for Arsenal, securing the services of a player with immense potential could strengthen their squad for years to come.