Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler could be available for just £15million in the summer transfer window. Arsenal have been linked with the 18-year-old but the north London outfit face fierce competition from Serie A champions, Napoli, as well as Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta is in need of depth in wide areas and the midfield, and considering the versatile star is at the very beginning of his career, it could be a smart move for either club moving forward. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Guler has a €17.5million (£15million) release clause included in his current contract.
football.london understands Arsenal are prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice, whilst Moises Caicedo is also a target for the Gunners. However, a move for Guler could be sanctioned due to his versatility and ability at such a young age.
As the transfer window officially opens, Arsenal are expected to begin their business swiftly and have now been tipped to make a move for the Fenerbahce starlet. With that in mind, let's take a brief look at his background and career so far.
Guler's path so far
Born in Ankara, Turkey, in February 2005, Guler started his youth career at Ankara-based club, Genclerbirligi.
The midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year-long professional contract with Fenerbahce, on January 13, 2021. At the start of 2022–23 season, Guler was given the number 10 shirt, which has a special meaning for Fenerbahce fans, being the number of club legend Alex de Souza.
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On April 10, 2022, Fenerbahce hosted Galatasaray and one banner stood out among all the rest inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. As cited by GOAL, it read: "Arda Guler: The Turkish Messi." The sign was held aloft by a 20-year-old fan who had travelled from London to be at one of the most passionate games anywhere in world football.
In March 2022, the club announced that he had agreed a new three-year deal. Guler has made 29 Fenerbache appearances since making his first-team debut last season, registering three goals and an assist in 13 outings this term. He has also been called-up to the Turkish national team.
Guler played 35 times in the 2022/23 season, scoring six goals and providing a further seven assists. He completed 2.9 key passes per game this season (via WhoScored) - a tally bettered by only five other players in the Turkish top division.
In addition, he has completed an average of two successful dribbles per game, with only team-mate Emre Mor recording a higher amount. His average rating for the season (7.32) is the fourth-highest of any active player in the division.
Guler's contract is not set to expire until 2025 - but a reported £15million release clause could see him be available on the cheap this summer.
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