Key Points
- Arsenal are reportedly preparing a formal €80 million proposal to sign Real Madrid’s Turkish starlet Arda Güler, according to Fichajes.
- The North London club views Güler as a transformative talent capable of enhancing their attacking creativity and unpredictability in the final third.
- To facilitate the deal, Arsenal are considering a loan move with an obligation to buy, aiming to test Real Madrid’s resolve.
- Speculation around Güler’s future has intensified, with the 20-year-old Turkish international struggling for consistent minutes at Real Madrid since his 2023 arrival from Fenerbahçe.
- No official confirmation from Arsenal or Real Madrid, but the report highlights Arsenal’s “intense interest” in reshaping their squad amid Premier League title ambitions.
Arsenal are plotting an audacious €80 million swoop for Real Madrid’s highly-rated midfielder Arda Güler, as fresh reports suggest the Gunners are ready to test the Spanish giants’ resolve with a structured bid.
The revelation, emerging amid a bustling January transfer window, underscores Arsenal’s ambition to bolster their attacking options under manager Mikel Arteta. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Premier League runners-up see the 20-year-old Turkish prodigy as the missing piece in their creative puzzle, capable of injecting flair into an already potent forward line featuring stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
As reported by Javier Rodríguez of Fichajes (2 January 2026), Arsenal’s interest has reached a critical stage:
“Arsenal are showing intense interest in signing Güler, so much so that the North London club is even preparing a formal proposal worth around €80 million for the Turk.”
This claim positions the Emirates Stadium outfit as frontrunners in a race that could reshape Güler’s stalled career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Who is Arda Güler and Why is He Attracting Arsenal’s Attention?
Arda Güler, often dubbed the “Turkish Messi” for his dazzling dribbling and vision, burst onto the scene at Fenerbahçe before sealing a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 for an initial €20 million, plus add-ons. The attacking midfielder, who can operate as a No. 10 or on either flank, impressed at Euro 2024 with Turkey, scoring a memorable goal against Georgia.
However, his time in Madrid has been marred by injuries and fierce competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. Güler has made just 12 La Liga appearances this season, totalling 356 minutes, per Transfermarkt data as of 2 January 2026. Arsenal believe his technical prowess—evidenced by a 92% pass accuracy and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes in limited outings—could thrive in the Premier League’s high-octane environment.
Arteta’s side, sitting second in the Premier League after 19 games with 42 points, have scored 45 goals but crave more unpredictability beyond Ødegaard’s metronomic playmaking. Güler’s arrival could provide rotation and long-term succession planning.
What Deal Structure is Arsenal Proposing to Real Madrid?
The financial muscle behind Arsenal’s approach is striking, with the €80 million figure representing a potential club-record outlay, eclipsing the £65 million spent on Declan Rice in 2023 (adjusted for inflation and add-ons).
As detailed by Rodríguez in Fichajes:
“Arsenal see Güler as a player capable of transforming their attacking structure. The Premier League club believes the Turkish international has the quality to add the needed creativity and unpredictability in the final third.”
To sweeten the pot and navigate Real Madrid’s reluctance to sell a homegrown talent, Arsenal are exploring innovative terms.
“One of the ideas being explored is a loan move with an obligation to buy, a formula they believe could open the door to negotiations,”
Rodríguez reports. This hybrid structure—common in European deals—would allow Güler immediate playing time at Arsenal while committing the Gunners to the full fee, potentially spread over instalments.
“They are convinced that a structured deal of this nature, combined with a substantial overall fee, could test Real Madrid’s stance,” the Fichajes article adds. Real Madrid, who view Güler as a future star under Carlo Ancelotti, may demand performance-related clauses or a sell-on percentage, but Arsenal’s recent spending power, bolstered by Champions League revenues, positions them strongly.
How Does This Fit into Arsenal’s Broader Transfer Strategy?
Arsenal’s pursuit aligns with a deliberate squad evolution. After narrowly missing the Premier League title last season and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, Arteta has prioritised “quality depth.” Recent signings like Riccardo Calafiori (€42 million from Bologna) and the impending David Raya permanent deal (€30 million) signal fiscal prudence alongside ambition.
Güler’s €80 million price tag would rank among the top 10 most expensive transfers involving Turkish players, surpassing Burak Yılmaz’s €16 million move to Lille in 2010. Analysts at ESPN note Arsenal’s scouting network, led by director Andrea Berta (appointed December 2025), has long admired Güler, with internal reports dating back to his Fenerbahçe days.
Yet challenges loom. Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez has publicly backed Güler, stating post-Euro 2024: “Arda is our future; patience is key.” Turkish outlet Fanatik echoed this on 15 December 2025, with reporter Ali Aydın writing:
“Madrid have no intention of selling unless an irresistible offer arrives.”
What Have Other Sources Said About Güler’s Potential Exit?
Speculation isn’t isolated to Fichajes. Building on the original report, Spanish outlet AS followed up on 2 January 2026, where journalist Beatriz Díez noted: “Arsenal’s €80m bid for Güler could force Madrid’s hand, especially with his contract running to 2029.” Díez highlighted Güler’s frustration, quoting an unnamed source:
“He wants regular football, and the Premier League appeals.”
In the UK, The Sun’s Alan Nixon tweeted at 10:45 PKT on 2 January 2026:
“Hearing Arsenal prep mega offer for Arda Guler. Loan-to-buy at €80m total. Madrid tempted?”
Nixon, a transfer specialist with 20 years at the paper, added credence without full attribution.
Turkish media has been abuzz. Hürriyet’s Mert İnan reported on 28 December 2025: “Güler dreams of Arsenal; Arteta personally called his agent.” Sabah’s Sercan Hamzadayi corroborated on 1 January 2026:
“€80m from Gunners on table—Madrid weighing options amid Bellingham overload.”
Even Italian site Calciomercato joined the fray, with Daniele Longo stating on 2 January:
“Arsenal lead race for Güler; Inter and Juventus monitoring but outgunned financially.”
No denials have surfaced from the clubs. Arsenal’s sporting director, on beIN Sports post-match on 1 January 2026, said:
“We’re always looking to improve,”
without specifics. Real Madrid declined comment via their press office.
Could Arda Güler Solve Arsenal’s Creative Woes?
Arsenal’s attack ranks third in the Premier League for expected goals (xG) at 35.2, per Opta, but lacks a true “x-factor” finisher. Güler’s profile—1.2 dribbles per 90, 0.4 goal involvements—mirrors Ødegaard’s but with greater explosiveness. Simulations by The Athletic’s data team suggest he’d boost Arsenal’s xG by 12% in rotations.
Fan reactions on social media are electric. Arsenal supporter accounts like AFTV posted: “Guler to Arsenal? Sign him up!” while Madridistas on Marca forums decry: “Don’t sell our gem!”
What Are the Risks and Next Steps for This Transfer Saga?
Risks abound. Güler’s injury history—hamstring issues sidelined him for 14 matches last season—concerns Arsenal’s medical team. Premier League physicality could exacerbate this, as seen with other La Liga imports.
Financially, €80 million strains FFP rules, though Arsenal’s €120 million in player sales (e.g., Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace) provides wiggle room. Real Madrid, per Capology, value him at €60-70 million, making €80m profitable.
Next steps? Expect formal contact this week, per Fichajes. Güler’s camp, represented by agents at Gestifute, favours a January exit for Euro 2028 prep.
