Arsenal Transfer Manuver: From Young Star Arda Guler To Nico Williams

Arda Guler was eyeed by Arsenal in the January 2025 (Instagram/@ardaguler) exchange.

JAKARTA - Arsenal have compiled a short list of eight target players for the winter market in January 2025, including young Turkish and Real Madrid player Arda Guler.

The Gunners are reportedly exploring the market for the striker number 9. They consider Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old player from RB Leipzig.

Then, there is also the 25-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, as a potential option.

It didn't stop there, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic turned out to be their priority hunt in January 2025.

Manager Mikel Arteta reportedly prefers an approach to the 24-year-old Serbian international.

However, Arsenal are well aware that they will find it difficult to reach an agreement with the Bianconeri. No wonder, the previous two options could be considered.

Vlahovic has scored 12 goals in 22 games in all competitions this season.

Apart from the striker, manager Mikel Arteta also wants to strengthen his squad after Bukayo Saka's injury.

He could also try to sign wingers, such as Leroy Sane (28) from Bayern Munich, attacking midfielder Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz (21), and Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

The Gunners' target names have not yet arrived there. Interestingly, Arsenal is ready to activate the Nico Williams release clause worth 58 million euros if they get the green light from the Athletic Club winger.

The Gunners are in a ongoing discussion with the 22-year-old player's agent about a possible move.

Meanwhile Athletic Bilbao has monitored Borja Sainz of Norwich City as his successor.

Most recently, the name Arda Guler (19) from Real Madrid is also on the club's radar.

Arda Guler's career at Real Madrid has yet to climb. No one doubts the quality of the 19-year-old player.

He is a fan favorite at Bernabeu, but his playing minutes are limited under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

After his profile skyrocketed following his main role at Euro 2024 with the Turkish National Team, it was predictable that he was linked to a move.

Ancelotti has talked about his talent, called him the present and future of Real Madrid and asked for patience.

However, statistics suggest that in the biggest game, like El Clasico, he didn't want to call Guler.

In fact, one of the criticisms of Ancelotti from Madrid fans and media this season is about his reluctance to use Guler and fellow teenage player, Endrick.

However, Arsenal are predicted not to get the green light if they want a permanent move considering that Guler has a contract at Bernabeu until June 2029.

This means that the most beneficial option for both parties is borrowing.

In terms of moving to Arsenal, Guler's comparison with Martin Odegaard is interesting. The similarity is clear, both are talented left-handed playmakers, young players recruited by Real Madrid amid interest from major European clubs.

Guler will also be very suitable for Odegaard's role at Arsenal, on the right of the three midfielders.

If Guler becomes anchored to Emirates, even if he is a loan player, the story could end up like Odegaard.

As is known, Odegaard is already in Real Madrid Castilla's uniform (Los Blancos reserve team) after embarking on Stromsgodset's first professional career in Norway.

The 26-year-old midfielder was promoted to the first team, but was not enough to get playing minutes so he had to be loaned to several clubs, such as Heerenveen, Vitesse, Real Sociedad in a span of five years.

Odegaard does not want to wait for his chance at Real Madrid given the competition to get a place on the line is difficult.

It was urgent to leave. Arsenal's offer as the last borrower was immediately welcomed. In the end, he could be permanent for the Gunners in 2021.

Guler is on the verge of doing the same thing as Odegaard. The problem is, he and the club both insist that borrowing will not happen.

If he continues to struggle to get into the team, and its development is threatened, that patience will not last long.