Arda Guler to Arsenal: O'Rourke shares update on potential deal
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(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Tue 23 September 2025 6:30, UK
Arsenal are likely to calm their interest over long-standing target Arda Guler after he became a key man under Xabi Alonso.
Mikel Arteta revitalised his attack as part of a major overhaul of his squad in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham fans were furious after Arsenal hijacked a move for Eberechi Eze who preferred to join the red half of north London.
Finance expert Dan Plumley exclusively told Football Insider in the summer that Arsenal would spend around £200million as they bid to finally win the Premier League title.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Gunners were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Guler.
Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in April that Arsenal were plotting to sign Guler who was deemed the “next Martin Odegaard”.
The 20-year-old joined the Spanish giants in July 2023 and has worked his way up the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over Arsenal having to end their hunt for the exciting Turk, I explained: “The fact that he has become a key man for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso means any deal for Guler to Arsenal looks long gone.
“I think the opportunity to sign him was probably sealed by Arsenal right now as well.
“He’s had a difficult couple of first seasons at Real Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti was the manager, didn’t really figure in the team and obviously Arsenal have had a long-term interest in Guler from his time back at Fenerbahce when they considered the move and then obviously when he wasn’t playing.
Credit: Imago
“I think now Guler has finally established himself in that Real Madrid team, I don’t think Real Madrid would consider selling him and I think the player himself will be happy now.
“I think any deal will be highly unlikely for Arda Guler right now because it seems he has got the favour of Xabi Alonso and as long as that remains I would imagine he would remain at Real Madrid and play a key role for Alonso at the Bernabeu.”
Brown told Football Insider on 7 July that Arsenal would step up their interest in Noni Madueke.
The Englishman eventually joined the Gunners and has so far been a hit with the fans with his dynamic and direct dribbling.
Credit: Imago
Bukayo Saka frequently bared the brunt of a high workload last season through injuries but now Arteta has depth in his attacking options.
Guler would have been an intriguing youth prodigy to nurture but the Spanish manager will be most certainly content with the tools at his disposal.