Arsenal now have perfect opportunity to sign 'Turkish Messi' after major decision

Arsenal could take advantage of Real Madrid's decision to sack Xabi Alonso by making a move for one of the club's key players in the Jnauary transfer window

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Arda Guler since before he joined Real Madrid. The Spanish club’s current issues could present the Gunners with an opportunity to finally snap up a long-term target.

Guler has been considered a wonderkid since breaking into the Fenerbahce team as a 16-year-old and was quickly dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’. Arsenal were first touted with an interest in the attacking midfielder back in 2022, though he ultimately opted to join Los Blancos in 2023.

Injuries delayed his Real Madrid debut but he soon made up for lost time, ending the 2023/24 campaign with six goals in 10 La Liga games. However, it was during Xabi Alonso’s brief reign in Madrid that Guler made the step up to being a first team regular.

The 20-year-old was replaced by the AC Milan-bound Luka Modric on three occasions during the summer’s Club World Cup, signalling who Alonso believed was the Croatian’s natural successor. However, the manager’s sacking could impact those plans and allow Arsenal to strike in this transfer market or the next.

ESPN has reported that the Gunners are interested in Guler. A move is claimed to be more likely in the summer, though Arsenal are open to making a major signing this month, should the right deal emerge.

From a Real Madrid perspective, ESPN details that Real Madrid opted not to pursue Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi due to their faith in Guler’s development as a central midfielder. The Turkey international is already closing in on his total game time from last season, having scored three and registered 10 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

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Despite Alonso’s departure, Guler has remained a key player for the Spanish giant under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa. He registered his latest assist of the campaign after coming on as a half-time substitute in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Levante at the weekend. However, Guler’s strong relationship with Alonso was clear in his thanks to his former manager.

Following Alonso’s sacking, Guler wrote on Instagram: “Mr. Xabi Alonso, Thank you for believing and trusting in me from the first day. Every conversation, every detail, every demand helped shape my game and push me to a higher level.

“I’m truly grateful for everything you added to my journey. Your faith in me made me a better player. Wishing you and your staff nothing but success in what comes next. Your impact will always stay with me.”

There was a mutual appreciation between Alonso and Guler. In October, the former Liverpool star admitted he saw similarities with Los Blancos hero Guti and Arsenal icon Mesut Ozil in Guler’s game.

The former Real Madrid boss said: “With his quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach.”

Alonso added: “We have to keep pushing him and supporting him, but we’re very happy with the influence he’s having on our game.