Arsenal Chase Real Madrid's Guler in Summer Push, But Turk Shows No Interest

With Arsenal sitting second in the Premier League table behind Manchester City on goal difference, the north London outfit are already mapping out their recruitment strategy for the 2026/27 campaign and beyond.

The Gunners have made their move to test the waters on Real Madrid's attacking midfielder Arda Guler, according to reports, though the Turkish international appears content to stay put in the Spanish capital.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has documented Arsenal's long-standing fascination with the 21-year-old. Back in September 2025, Romano explained on his YouTube channel that Arsenal had previously plotted a move before circumstances shifted. "There was a club prepared to attack in case Carlo Ancelotti stayed and Real Madrid opened the doors to an exit for Arda Guler," Romano said. "That club was Arsenal. They considered the possibility around October/November before Andrea Berta was appointed as the new director."

The previous Arsenal sporting director Edu, who departed his post in November 2024, had been monitoring the situation. It appears his replacement, Berta, shares that assessment that Guler could strengthen Mikel Arteta's midfield.

However, Arsenal's latest approach has hit a wall. CaughtOffSide has reported that the Gunners have been in contact with Guler's inner circle over a potential summer deal, but the response has been decidedly lukewarm. "At the moment, he's not giving the green light," a source told the outlet. "They have sounded out this deal again but the answer still seems very much the same – he's happy where he is, and there's no indication that the club are ready to sell."

The Madrid hierarchy have shown little appetite to part with their prized asset either, with Guler contracted until summer 2029.

Guler made his mark under Xabi Alonso's stewardship at the Bernabéu, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Madrid's campaign. Álvaro Arbeloa took over the reins in January, and speculation persists that further managerial upheaval could arrive at season's end, with Jürgen Klopp reportedly among Los Blancos' targets.

This season, the Turkish playmaker has notched six goals and provided 14 assists across 50 appearances in all competitions for Madrid.

The youngster has earned glowing testimonials from some illustrious figures. Mesut Özil, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid attacking midfielder, told Marca back in June 2023: "Is there a number 10 better than me? I can think of a name, I have a brother that I believe in him, may God protect him – his name is Arda Guler." In February 2025, Özil doubled down on his admiration, telling TRT Spor: "I see a lot of myself in Arda Guler. We need to do more to protect talents like him."

Even Neymar has weighed in with effusive praise. The Brazilian superstar told Turkish forward Aycan Yanac on Instagram in January 2026: "Arda Güler is an amazing player. He has quality. I think he is the best midfielder in the world."

For Arsenal's part, it seems they'll need to look elsewhere this summer unless a dramatic shift occurs at the Bernabéu.