Arda Guler to Real Madrid: Romano reveals the TRUTH behind transfer

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Jul 2023 07:16 BST
• 2 min read

Fabrizio Romano has detailed the “really important” moves that Real Madrid have made to put themselves on the brink of signing Fenerbahce youngster Arda Guler.

The 18-year-old is regarded highly in his homeland, with the creative attacker having already played four times for the Turkey national team, scoring one goal in the process.

A string of leading European clubs have been tailing the player, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €8.3 million, for some weeks.

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Barcelona had appeared in pole position to trigger the player’s €17.5m release clause and sign the teenager, but according to Romano, it is now Real Madrid who are leading the way for a player who has been dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ thanks to his on-field performance.

The Athletic broke the news on Tuesday that Real Madrid had made a decisive move in the deal.

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According to the football transfer news expert, Los Blancos have had to be very clever to put themselves in such a position for a player whose contract expires in June 2025.

“Real Madrid did something really important on Tuesday. They submitted an improved proposal for Arda Guler,” Romano revealed.

“It’s €20m guaranteed, so more than the release clause. There’s a 20% sell-on clause. This was already included in the talks between Arda Guler and Fenerbahce. Real Madrid confirmed that.

“There are also add-ons, there are VAT and taxes included, so there is a bigger package than €20m, but the fixed part is €20m plus all these kind of clauses and details, which are going to make the deal way bigger.

“The deal is very close. It’s not done yet but it’s just about the final details.

“Real Madrid think Arda Guler will be their player. They think the deal is almost done. They feel the player wants to go there and they feel that Fenerbahce are prepared to accept their transfer offer.”