“Good player, but, not for Arsenal, no” : Former England international believes Arda Guler might not be the right suit for the Gunners
Arda Guler has been one of the biggest young prospects this year, some even comparing his performances at the Euros this year to the prodigy that is Lamine Yamal. The youngster got his breakthrough last year by receiving a transfer call from Real Madrid, but his club career has gotten off to a very underwhelming start.
This season especially, the Turkish international has been seen on the bench more often than not, as with the addition of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this season the Los Blancos are already stacked in attack whereas Carlo Ancelotti does not see Guler reprising a role in the midfield.
Due to not receiving enough playing time, there have been reports that Arda Guler might be transferred or either loaned in the upcoming winter window, and the Gunners have been the frontrunners to seek this opportunity of signing a world class young talent, via Spanish outlet Sport. But take this information lightly for now, as Sport has been widely inconsistent with its reports for some time now.
But not everyone is convinced that Arda Guler is essentially a good fit at the North London club, as former England international Darren Bent believes the Turkish might not break into Arteta’s strongest eleven just yet.
“He won’t fit the squad” : Darren Bent
Guler’s usual preferred position is on the right wing or as an advanced midfielder, both of which are occupied by Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard respectively, who are also one of the best players in those positions. So, it might be tough for the 19-year-old to break into the first team and receive regular playing time, at least initially.
“Not for me. You want a grade out of five? He won’t fit the squad. I think he’s a very good player, I saw him at the Euros, very talented. But will you swap one bench for another?” Bent said on talkSPORT’s Insider Gooners podcast.
“At Real Madrid he’s not getting the opportunities. Coming to Arsenal there are better options, be it out wide or in the No.10 role. I can’t see that one happening. Good player, but, not for Arsenal, no.” the former Spurs striker added.
Maybe the January transfer window will be a good opportunity for the 19-year-old to move on loan for the time being, as LaLiga clubs will be desperate to gain the creative abilities of Guler, while he gets more accustomed to the league. Another high-profile young signing from Barcelona, Vitor Roque, is currently on loan to Real Betis where he is absolutely thriving. And obviously, transferring from Real Madrid to basically any other club can be termed as a downgrade.
