Following a title-challenging season, Mikel Arteta is apparently looking to enhance his team this summer and is reportedly interested in Fenerbahce star Arda Guler.
Declan Rice’s future has dominated discussion of the Arsenal transfer window so far, but Arteta might have additional midfield upgrades in mind for the 2023–24 season.
It’s crucial that the north Londoners added reinforcements now that Champions League play is guaranteed for the upcoming season in order to stay on Manchester City’s tail and spark a battle of Europe’s best.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal is leading the race to sign Guler, who has been dubbed the “Turkish Messi” by local Turkish media and reported by talkSPORT.
Pete O’Rourke, a transfer analyst, claimed on the website that Arsenal had surpassed Newcastle United, another Premier League team, in the race to recruit the teenager. He also stated that Arteta’s team is “seriously exploring” a deal.
The 18-year-old signed a new contract with the Turkish powerhouses last year, which includes a release clause worth only €17.5 million (£15 million).
What may Arda Guler be able to provide Arsenal?
Guler, who is only 18 years old, has excelled in 20 outings in the Super Lig this season while competing against seasoned Turkish pros.
According to Sofascore, the Ankara-born star played an average of 46 minutes per game during his breakout season and contributed to seven goals, scoring four and assisting three.
The kid, who has been dubbed “magical” by media, could flourish under Arteta’s direction. Arteta has succeeded in developing his young team, who competed with treble winners Manchester City last season.
According to Sofascore, Guler was his team’s standout performer last season, although Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, had a significant impact on the Gunners as seen by his selection as the club’s player of the year.
If Arteta were to play in the same position as the Norwegian, he could be able to teach the Turkish superstar some important lessons about how to play in the Premier League and perhaps even discover his next Odegaard.
Due to their inventiveness in their individual seasons, there is reason to believe that the two may be a formidable force in midfield. The 24-year-old captain averages 2.1 critical passes per game, almost exactly matching the Fenerbahce star’s two.
Arsenal’s captain may be the ideal role model for the young player given that Guler, another left-footed player, had his breakthrough at a comparable age while learning the ropes at Real Madrid at the juvenile age of 16. The youngster may, however, repay the favour by helping the wizard, who earns £120,000 every week, in his endeavours.
The youth, dubbed a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, might give Odegaard more creative freedom thanks to his assured presence on the ball.
According to Sofascore, Guler produced seven significant opportunities while maintaining a great pass accuracy rate of 85% in his first season in the Super Lig.
For the benefit of the Gunners, whose attacking midfield may be secure for years to come, the two talents may combine to strengthen one another’s play.
[Football Webb]
