According to Aksam, Arsenal are interested in signing Fenerbahçe wonderkid Arda Guler, who has been praised by Mesut Özil.
What’s the story?
Well, this is interesting news coming from Turkey.
Aksam believe Arsenal are very keen to sign the 17-year-old gem, and are even willing to pay Fenerbahçe’s €25m (£22m) asking price for the Turkish sensation.
Interestingly, the Turkish news outlet lead with a title claiming that Guler is going to the Premier League, and the Gunners have already made a record-breaking offer.
However, the contents of the article only state that Arsenal are willing to pay the £22m asking price, and are preparing to make a bid.
If the deal does materialise, it seems Mikel Arteta would be getting an excellent footballer.
Guler made 24 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals while also providing 11 assists, which is a brilliant return for someone so young.
Liverpool have also scouted him, so he must be doing something right.
As aforesaid, Özil is also a fan of the teenager.
As quoted by Football London after a stunning display from Guler, the German said: “A super goal and a super assist. Quality. You will be a world star.”
Arsenal don’t need Arda Guler
In our view, this deal doesn’t make much sense to us.
Arteta needs to bolster a number of areas, such as the centre-forward department and also the central midfield areas.
The last thing he needs is another attacking midfielder, as the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Ødegaard are capable of playing in that role.
Guler can also operate on the right of the attack, in fairness, although that is where Bukayo Saka lines up on a weekly basis, so we’re not sure where the Turkey Under-19 international would fit in.
A deal might make sense if Arsenal were to loan him back to Fenerbahçe, although £22m is a lot to spend.
Having said that, the Gunners splashed out £27m on William Saliba for the future, so anything could happen.
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