Ozil BEGS Barcelona and Arsenal target to reject summer transfer

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 3 Jul 2023 08:12 BST
• 3 min read

Mesut Ozil has dealt a hammer blow in both Barcelona and Arsenal’s attempts to sign Turkish midfielder Arda Guler this summer.

Guler, 18, is on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs after emerging onto the scene at Fenerbahce, but Ozil has reportedly spoken to the youngster and pleaded that he stays put in the Turkish Super Lig for at least another year.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ozil has 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.

READ: Who is Arda Guler?

Barcelona have expressed major interest in Guler, but concrete talks have not yet begun, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are also one of the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Guler to reject summer interest?

Guler netted six times and contributed seven assists in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign as he announced himself to the rest of Europe. In order to continue playing regularly, Ozil has insisted that Guler stays put in Turkey and rejects a transfer to either Barcelona or Arsenal - the two clubs reportedly most interested in signing him this summer.

READ: Barcelona’s €100m Man Utd transfer rejection

The Blaugrana are keen on acquiring Guler in the coming months, however, and likely not be dissuaded by Ozil’s desire for the Turkish youngster to stay at Fenerbahce. Barcelona chief Deco recently flew to Turkey for discussions regarding a possible move for Guler, but the Spanish giants remain hamstrung by their financial issues.

Barcelona 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.”

Barcelona appear to be leading the race for Guler and are actively pursuing the teenager, while Arsenal remain focused on completing the signings of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. However, the Gunners are reportedly still keen on Guler, but Ozil's words may delay a possible move to the Emirates.