Arsenal will find it difficult to replicate the Odegaard formula in the Arda Guller deal.
Arsenal are attempting to loan Arda Guler from Real Madrid to consolidate their lead in the Premier League, but the young talent's impressive form under Xabi Alonso is proving to be a major obstacle.
Arsenal are making efforts to bring Arda Guler to the Emirates Stadium in the 2025 winter transfer window. As the league leaders, this move demonstrates the Gunners' ambition to strengthen their squad depth for the fierce title race.
The North London club has made no secret of its intention to pursue a second Odegaard project through a loan deal with an option to buy. This is seen as a shrewd move, both economically and professionally, reminiscent of how Arsenal rescued Martin Odegaard and transformed him into the heart of their current playing style.
A thirst for creativity at Emirates
Despite spending heavily to bring in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, Arsenal still lack creativity. The Gunners' management understands that to maintain their top position in the Premier League, they need more diverse attacking options from midfield.
Arda Guler, with his exquisite individual technique and sharp tactical vision, is considered the perfect fit. Arsenal's long-term interest in the young Turkish talent shows that this is a carefully calculated plan rather than an impulsive purchase.
Guler's unique position at Real Madrid
However, Guler's current situation in Spain is very different from when Odegaard left. Previously, under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler struggled with injuries and benching, but the arrival of coach Xabi Alonso has completely changed his fortunes.
Under the guidance of the Spanish strategist, the 20-year-old gem has transformed into a key player. Guler is no longer a surplus player needing a new club to salvage his career, but a pillar in Real Madrid's tactical system.
Arda Guler's impressive statistics for the 2025/26 season.
| Index | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Number of appearances | 25 |
| Match time | > 1,500 minutes |
| Goal | 3 |
| Construction | 7 |
An impossible task for Arsenal?
This surge in form has created a huge obstacle to Arsenal's ambitions. Xabi Alonso sees Guler as a key player for his long-term future at Santiago Bernabeu and certainly doesn't want to lose such an important link in the middle of the season. Convincing Real Madrid to release him on a trial basis at this point is considered an extremely difficult task.
Although Arsenal had the right strategic vision in wanting to replicate the old formula for success, the harsh reality is that Guler's position has changed. Perhaps, the Gunners' ambition to acquire an Odegaard 2.0 will have to wait a long time longer, or require a sudden breakthrough in negotiations before it can become a reality.
