Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler according to reports in Turkey.
When Newcastle hired Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, they would have done so hoping to benefit from the former Brighton chief’s keen eye for an emerging talent.
During Ashworth’s time at the Amex, Brighton snapped up the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Moises Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister for the sort of sums some of the more well-heeled Premier League clubs would find down the back of the sofa.
And while Newcastle may benefit from the backing of Saudi Arabian billionaires these days, their transfer policy still seems to revolve around bringing some of the game’s most exciting young talent to St James’ Park; Ivan Fresneda, Giovani and Matheus Franca among those linked.
18-year-old Garang Kuol, meanwhile, arrived in January to much fanfare.
Will Newcastle beat Arsenal and PSG to Arda Guler?
Newcastle, Turkish Football claim, have sent scouts to watch fellow teenager Arda Guler in action too. Fenerbahce value Guler at around £17 million. A clause in his contract, however, means the Turkey international could depart for as little as £4 million. That is provided he plays fewer than 1,500 minutes in all competitions this term.
So far, Guler is on just 749.
Diminutive and dextrous, Guler has been tipped to become a ‘world star’ by former Fenerbahce team-mate Mesut Ozil. And he is well-placed to pass judgement. Guler, after all, shares many of the attributes that made Ozil one of the planet’s most influential ‘number tens’ during spells at Real Madrid and Arsenal.
“Arda possesses a dribbling ability and close control that few can match,” Goal write. “His eye for the spectacular marks him out as a special talent.
“As well as (Lionel) Messi, Arda has been likened to Mesut Ozil. The likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all shown an interest.”
Paris Saint-Germain too. The Ligue 1 champions reportedly held talks with Guler’s camp in January. Arsenal also remain in contention. At Newcastle, however, 18-year-old Guler would be joining a club on the up. Under a manager with a proven track record for coaxing the very best out of the talent at his disposal.
“One of the most technically gifted midfielders to emerge in Turkey for years,” The Guardian say of Guler. “(He) and is already a star name at one of the biggest clubs in the Super Lig.
“He cites Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and Mesut Ozil as his influences. It would not be a surprise if he gets a high profile move in the near future.“
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