Martin Odegaard has been a revelation for Arsenal since leaving Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly looking to replicate their success in signing Martin Odegaard by targeting another young talent from Real Madrid. The Gunners secured their captain in 2021 after a loan spell at the Emirates, in a deal worth £30million.
Despite being signed as a prodigy by Los Blancos when he was just 16, Odegaard made just 11 appearances for Real Madrid and was loaned out to Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before the La Liga team decides to cash in.
Now Mikel Arteta's side are reportedly eyeing Turkey international Arda Guler as they look for their next Odegaard. Spanish outlet Sport reports that Arsenal have contacted the 19-year-old's camp.
Guler was signed by Real Madrid in 2023 from Fenerbahce and signed a six-year contract. He has scored six goals in 24 appearances for the Spanish giants, but has failed to find the net in his 12 outings in 2024/25.
He is reported to be unhappy at the Bernabeu after only starting three games this season. Arsenal are believed to be one of several teams interested in Guler and are considering a loan deal for him before potentially making him a permanent signing. However, it seems the youngster hasn't given up on making it at Real Madrid just yet.
Earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti hinted that Endrick and Guler were ready to play longer. However, the Italian manager seemed reluctant to give them the opportunity.
“[Endrick is] ready to play, he's doing very well, he's showing a lot of quality in training,” he said. “I say the same thing about Guler. These are young people who are growing.
“But the collective idea is to reverse the situation as quickly as possible. Can we do that with them? Yes. But the objective is to reverse the situation, that's the priority. Don't give minutes to one player or another.”
Despite limited action in domestic football this season, Guler has played a bigger role for Turkey. He started each of the country's six Nations League matches and scored a goal and an assist in those matches.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1978384/Arsenal-Real-Madrid-Arda-Guler-transfer-Martin-Odegaard