Arsenal are reportedly in the race for the signature of 18-year-old Turkish prodigy Arda Güler from Fenerbahce, potentially for a bargain price.

• Arda Güler, the 18-year-old midfield sensation from Fenerbahce, is reportedly being eyed by several top European clubs, including Arsenal FC who previously tried to sign him.
• Güler’s contract with Fenerbahce includes a release clause of €30 million, but if he fails to play 1,500 minutes this season, he could leave for €5 million.
• If Arsenal can capitalise on this situation and secure Güler for a potentially bargain price, it would significantly strengthen their midfield and provide an infusion of young talent for the future.

The football world is buzzing with rumours that Arda Güler, the 18-year-old midfield sensation from Fenerbahce, is being eyed by several top European clubs.

Among these, Arsenal stand out, as they have reportedly placed a significant bet on the young talent.

In the past, Güler has been linked to the North London club, and those ties seem to be resurfacing.

The prodigy’s former coach, Erol Tokgözler, revealed in March that Arsenal had previously made offers to sign him during his time at Gençlerbirliği. “I know that there are offers from Arsenal and Bayern Munich,” he said, adding that he expected these offers to increase.

Despite Tokgözler’s optimism, Güler eventually landed in Fenerbahce in 2019, where he has since flourished, creating a stir with his performances on the pitch. This season, he has featured in 30 competitive games for the Süper Lig team, contributing six goals and assisting four more. His footballing acumen and drive on the pitch have garnered attention from far and wide.

Yet, Arsenal are not the only club interested in acquiring the young talent.

FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, and SSC Napoli are all said to be in the running for Güler. Even Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund were reportedly interested, but the transfer fee was deemed too high, making the prospect of a deal unlikely.

Güler’s current contract with Fenerbahce runs until 2025 and includes a release clause of €30 million. However, there’s a nice catch.

If Güler fails to clock 1,500 minutes of football this season, he could leave for a mere €5 million. To reach this threshold, he would need to play full 90 minutes in seven more games, a feat that seems unlikely. He has currently played 1,128 minutes and completed the full 90 just twice this season, both in recent weeks.

If Arsenal can capitalise on this situation and secure the Turkish international for a bargain price, it would undoubtedly be a significant coup.

Güler’s addition would strengthen the Gunners’ midfield, providing an infusion of young talent and potential for the future.

However, whether Arsenal can outbid the other heavyweights in the race remains to be seen.