Arda Guler REJECTS Barcelona to join Real Madrid this summer

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 5 Jul 2023 06:44 BST
• 4 min read

Arda Guler has reportedly chosen to join Real Madrid this summer despite being heavily courted by their El Clasico rivals Barcelona.

Guler, 18, has been dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ after his emergence onto the senior stage with Fenerbahce and has rejected a potential transfer to Camp Nou in favour of joining Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently flew to Turkey for discussions regarding a possible move for Guler, and Blaugrana president Joan Laporta even admitted to Mundo Deportivo last week: “He is a very young player, it is true that our scouts have been following him for a long time and many big clubs in Europe want him. We are talking to Fenerbahce.”

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However, Guler has chosen Los Blancos, according to The Athletic. The 18-year-old midfielder’s deal at Fenerbahce runs until 2025 and has a release clause of €17.5 million included.

But, Real Madrid’s offer is expected to exceed Guler’s release clause in order to ensure the move goes through. Furthermore, Fenerbahce have also included a 20% sell-on clause in the deal.

The youngster is expected to join Ancelotti’s squad for pre-season, but will not be able to link up with his team-mates until negotiations are officially finalised and the deal is completed. That is expected next week.

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Guler ignores Ozil’s advice

Guler may possess a Messi-themed nickname, but he has also been likened to Mesut Ozil by those in his homeland; his transfer to Real Madrid will further fuel those comparisons given the former Germany international spent three years at Los Blancos before joining Arsenal.

Ozil spent 18 months at Fenerbahce from January 2021 until July 2022 and played with Guler during his time at the club. But, he was keen for the teenager to remain in the Turkish Super Lig for another season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ozil told Guler that staying at Fenerbahce is the best choice for his development. Guler featured 35 times in the first-team last season, and Ozil believes that number would diminish significantly if the 18-year-old decides to leave the club during the current transfer window.

Despite this advice, Guler looks set to depart and become Real Madrid’s fourth summer signing; Jude Bellingham, Fran Garcia and Joselu (loan) have already come through the door at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.