Arsenal have already been sent transfer hint about next Martin Odegaard

Arsenal have opened talks with out-of-favour Real Madrid star Arda Guler - a move that could help unlock the 'next Martin Odegaard.' The 19-year-old, born in February 2005, has struggled for game time this season, having started just three of their first 13 La Liga matches.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Türkiye international is unhappy at Real and on the radar of several clubs across Europe. Arsenal are one of the teams that have contacted Guler's representatives over his situation.

It's added Gunners are keen on a repeat of Odegaard's successful transfer - which first began as a six-month loan deal to north London back in January 2021. The Norwegian spent the second half of that season at the Gunners before making the move permanent in the summer for £30million.

READ MORE: This Arsenal player can come out of Mikel Arteta wilderness to save Premier League title dream

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho has already given Arsenal green light to seal £37.5m Arda Guler transfer

Since, Odegaard has cemented himself as one of Arsenal's most important players. Odegaard was named as the new club captain in July 2022 by Mikel Arteta and has gone from strength to strength, recording his best goalscoring season of his career in 2022/23, striking 15 goals in 45 appearances.

Odegaard wasn't as prolific last season, though he still managed to score 11 times - adding a further 11 assists - in 48 appearances. Back in September, Odegaard suffered an ankle injury which ended up ruling him out for two months, with the 25-year-old making his return against Inter Milan on November 6.

It's hoped that a possible move for Guler could follow a similar pattern to Odegaard, even if the Turkish midfielder is a few years younger than when the Arsenal skipper made the switch to north London.

Although Guler hasn't featured much for Real this season, he played twice for Turkey against Wales and Montenegro over the international break. However, retired Turkish footballer and modern day commentator Mustafa Denizli wasn't impressed with his performance against Wales.

"It's normal because he's not in the same condition as when he went to Real Madrid. He doesn't look happy there. We know that he has enjoyed few minutes and opportunities, but his rivals in the dressing room have increased their performances," Denizli added.

Elsewhere, Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella admitted he wasn't pleased with Guler's rustiness which has been brought on by his lack of game time at Real.

"He's a talented player with a fast game, but he has not played continuously for a long time. I was convinced that he could not continue due to physical problems," the Italian stated.