Arsenal could face competition from Bayer Leverkusen if they are to step up their pursuit of Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler.
Guler joined Madrid in a £17million move from Fenerbahce 18 months ago, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a six-year contract at the Bernabeu.
The 19-year-old Turkey international is widely considered to be among the most promising young players in world football and his performances at this year’s European Championship only enhanced his reputation.
But regular minutes have been hard to come by for Guler at Madrid and reports emanating out of Spain suggest the teenager has grown frustrated with his bit-part role under Carlo Ancelotti.
Arsenal are understood to have approached Guler’s camp to guage his availability and possible interest in a switch to the Premier League.
According to Sky Deutschland, Leverkusen are also ‘closely monitoring’ Guler’s situation and have been doing so since before the playmaker even joined Los Blancos.
Leverkusen have maintained contact with Guler’s entourage throughout this time, though are yet to enter into talks with Madrid over a proposed move.
The report claims Leverkusen view Guler as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is expected to leave the Bundesliga champions for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
However, both Leverkusen and Arsenal are likely to face an uphill battle should they press ahead with their inquiries for Guler, with Madrid officials adamant the Turk is going nowhere.
Guler’s current contract in the Spanish capital runs through to the summer of 2029.
Ancelotti has shown a willingness to entrust Guler with more playing time in Madrid’s recent matches and even singled the teen out for praise following the side’s 3-0 win over Leganes.
‘When the team plays well it’s because everyone contributes,’ the Madrid head coach told reporters at his post-match press conference.
‘Arda has contributed a lot when it comes to creativity in the final third, he has been close to scoring goals, he has played a complete game.
‘These are players that we can count on at this moment because the demands of the games are very high. We need everyone going forward.’
Guler’s manager at international level, meanwhile, Vincenzo Montella is confident the midfielder will thrive at Madrid if handed more opportunities in the starting XI.
‘Arda is trying to find an opportunity at a team where there’s a high level of competition,’ he said last week.
‘I have seen a lot of improvements recently. Particularly in terms of character and fight, he’s learnt how to do both.
‘Arda will play more in future, he just needs an opportunity.’
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