Arsenal on red alert as Arda Guler becomes Real Madrid's forgotten man

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Feb 2025 11:57 CST
3 min read

Arda Guler, Real Madrid, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal and other Premier League suitors will be keenly watching developments at Real Madrid as Arda Guler is increasingly becoming a forgotten man.

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The Turkish wonderkid's time in Spain's capital has not been what many had expected when he joined Real Madrid in summer 2023. A long-term injury halted his integration into Los Blancos' side following his move and it seems that Carlo Ancelotti is still not 100 per cent convinced by Guler.

The Italian manager has had to rely on youth more than in previous seasons due to Real Madrid's injury crisis and increased fixture congestion this term, but Guler has not been one of the beneficiaries.

The 19-year-old was afforded a rare start against Leganes in the Copa del Rey at the beginning of February, but that was the final time supporters saw him.

The teenager has been an unused substitute in Real Madrid's past five games, and he also did not play in the match that immediately preceded the Leganes clash.

Despite some significant rotation from Ancelotti, he was again left to rot on the bench as Los Blancos beat Girona on Sunday.

Guler growing frustrated

Speculation surrounding the future of Guler is naturally increasing as the player grows more and more frustrated with his lack of playing time. Judging by the social media reaction to Ancelotti's latest snub, Real Madrid fans seem to be understanding of his supposed desire to leave.

Guler needs regular minutes to fulfil his immense potential and clubs are certainly paying attention to his situation. Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly scouted the youngster at last year's European Championship but Real Madrid made it clear in the summer and again in January that he was not for sale.

More recently, Bayern Munich and Man Utd were credited with an interest in the former Fenerbahce attacker. It is as yet unclear if Real Madrid are willing to change their stance ahead of the upcoming summer window.

Last year, Guler's former Fener teammate Mesut Ozil fittingly evoked the name of Martin Odegaard, who left Real Madrid after not getting a chance and subsequently established himself as one of the world's best midfielders.

It increasingly seems as though Real Madrid have not learned from their previous mistake.