Arsenal 'contact Real Madrid star's camp' as they eye Martin Odegaard repeat

Arsenal are reportedly looking to replicate their success in signing Martin Odegaard by targeting another young talent from Real Madrid. The Gunners secured their captain in 2021 after a loan spell at the Emirates, in a deal worth £30million.

Despite being signed as a prodigy by Los Blancos when he was just 16, Odegaard only made 11 appearances for Real Madrid and spent time on loan at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before the La Liga side decided to cash in.

Now, Mikel Arteta’s team are said to be eyeing Turkish international Arda Guler as they look for their next Odegaard. Spanish outlet Sport report that Arsenal have contacted the 19-year-old’s camp.

Guler was signed by Real Madrid in 2023 from Fenerbahce and given a six-year contract. He has scored six goals in 24 appearances for the Spanish giants, but he has not found the net in his 12 outings in 2024/25.

It is reported that he is unhappy at the Bernabeu after only starting three games this season. Arsenal are believed to be one of several teams interested in Guler, and are considering a loan deal for him before potentially making him a permanent signing. However, it’s reported that the youngster hasn’t given up on breaking through at Real Madrid just yet.

Earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti hinted that both Endrick and Guler were ready for more game time. However, the Italian manager seemed reluctant to give them the opportunity.

“[Endrick is] ready to play, doing very well, showing a lot of quality in training,” he stated. “I say the same about Guler. They are young people who are pushing.

“But the collective idea is to turn things around as quickly as possible. Can you do that with them? Yes. But the objective is to turn it around, that is the priority. Not to give minutes to one player or another.”

Despite seeing limited action in domestic football this season, Guler has played a more prominent role for Turkey. He has started each of the country’s six Nations League matches and contributed a goal and an assist during those games.