Who is Arda Guler? 18-year-old 'Turkish Messi' linked with Arsenal £15m transfer
Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal, with reports indicating that he has a release clause of €17.5 million (£15 million) in his contract. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, is reportedly looking to strengthen his squad in wide areas and the midfield, and Guler's versatility and young age make him an attractive option for either club.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the existence of Guler's release clause, further fueling speculation about a potential move. While Arsenal's main priority seems to be West Ham captain Declan Rice, and they are also considering a move for Moises Caicedo, Guler's abilities and adaptability could make him a viable option for the Gunners.
As the transfer window opens, Arsenal is expected to be proactive in their transfer dealings, and there are suggestions that they could make a move for the Fenerbahce prodigy. With this in mind, let's delve into Guler's background and his career progression thus far.
Born in Ankara, Turkey, in February 2005, Guler began his youth career at Genclerbirligi, a club based in Ankara. He signed his first professional contract with Fenerbahce on January 13, 2021, which was a two-and-a-half-year deal. In the 2022-23 season, Guler was awarded the number 10 shirt, a significant number for Fenerbahce fans as it was previously worn by club legend Alex de Souza.
During a match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on April 10, 2022, a banner caught the attention of many inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Held by a 20-year-old fan who had traveled from London, it read: "Arda Guler: The Turkish Messi." This incident exemplifies the hype surrounding Guler and the comparisons drawn to the renowned Argentine forward.
In March 2022, Fenerbahce announced that Guler had signed a new three-year contract, extending his stay at the club. Guler has made 29 appearances for Fenerbahce since his first-team debut last season, contributing three goals and an assist in 13 outings this term. He has also earned call-ups to the Turkish national team.
In the 2022-23 season, Guler featured in 35 matches, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. His average of 2.9 key passes per game ranks him among the top performers in the Turkish top division, with only five other players surpassing this figure, according to WhoScored. Additionally, he has averaged two successful dribbles per game, a statistic bettered only by his teammate Emre Mor. Guler's season rating of 7.32 is the fourth-highest among active players in the league.
Despite his contract running until 2025, there are reports that Guler could be available at a bargain price this summer due to his reported release clause of £15 million. This potential affordability could make him an enticing prospect for clubs seeking young talent with significant potential.
In conclusion, Arda Guler's name has emerged in relation to a potential move to Arsenal, with reports highlighting his affordable release clause. His versatility, young age, and impressive performances have attracted attention, and Arsenal's pursuit of him aligns with their objective of bolstering their squad in key areas. While Guler's current contract with Fenerbahce extends for several more years, the reported release clause could pave the way for a transfer during the upcoming transfer window.
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