Arsenal’s gaze has settled on Real Madrid’s golden boy

Arsenal are once again circling Real Madrid’s rising star Arda Guler, with Mikel Arteta keen to add more imagination and flexibility to his squad. After seeing a move fall through back in 2025, the North London club have returned this summer to reassess their chances. Still, prising the young playmaker away from Madrid won’t be straightforward.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have already reached out to people close to Guler to gauge whether a deal could be possible. Their interest is nothing new — the Gunners have tracked the 21-year-old for a long time and even tried to bring him in previously, only to be turned away by Real Madrid.

Arteta is believed to be driving the push, sensing a potential opening amid uncertainty on the Madrid bench with Alvaro Arbeloa currently in interim charge. With Chelsea also keeping tabs, Arsenal are wary of delaying any move for a player they see as an ideal fit.

Guler’s versatility is a major attraction — he could rotate with Bukayo Saka on the right or offer a creative alternative to Martin Odegaard, whose recent struggles with injuries and consistency have raised concerns.

The Turkish talent’s output in the 2025–26 season only strengthens Arsenal’s interest, as he registered 20 goal contributions in 50 appearances. Arteta, who has previously beaten top rivals to key signings like Declan Rice, believes the club’s long-term project could still tempt even players settled at elite sides.

However, early signals from Guler’s camp suggest a transfer is far from imminent. The player is reportedly content with his development in Spain and is not pushing for a move, despite stiff competition for minutes.

Real Madrid, for their part, have no plans to let him go. The club considers Guler an important piece for the future, and the trust placed in him by both Xabi Alonso and now Arbeloa has only reinforced his commitment. Unless Madrid decide to cash in to fund other major signings, a change in management alone is unlikely to shift their stance.

Arsenal are expected to keep communication lines open as the window unfolds. While the current message from the Bernabeu remains "not for sale," the Gunners are ready to act if circumstances change under a new permanent coach.

For now, Guler’s focus is on recovering from a hamstring issue picked up late in the season, as well as upcoming international duties. Arsenal may explore alternative options in the meantime, but the Turkish playmaker remains the "dream" target for Arteta ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.