Aston Villa linked with transfer for Real Madrid star who lit up Euro 2024
Aston Villa are being linked with a January loan move for a Real Madrid starlet - but face tough competition to seal a deal for the 19-year-old.
According to the website CaughtOffside, Madrid are understood to be ready to allow Arda Guler to go out on loan - “ with a number of top clubs on alert”. Amongst them are said to be Villa, but Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus are also said to be keen.
The report adds: “Guler previously looked untouchable for Real Madrid as they pushed to keep the player and integrate him into Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team squad on a more regular basis.
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“However, it hasn’t worked out that way for the talented young Turkey international, and it now seems he could be allowed to look for a loan move in order to gain more playing time.”
Guler lit up the Euros in the summer for his native Turkey, and his performances included a wonder goal against Georgia in the group stages.
While Arsenal have the benefit of previously taking Madrid youngsters on loan - namely current skipper Martin Odegaard - Villa also have a track record of taking young players in January and quickly making them Premier League ready.
Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers were recruited by Villa in the last two January transfer windows respectively and quickly made a name for themselves at the club.
Duran has scored eight goals already this term - including the winner in Villa’s high-profile Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Rogers, meanwhile, has been a revelation since Villa plucked him away from Middlesbrough in January 2024 and has just won his first two England caps.
However, both of those players were recruited on permanent deals and it remains unclear as to why Villa boss Unai Emery would be in the market to develop a player for a potential Champions League rival.
Villa are also reported to be keen on a January move for misfit Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, so an additional frontman could well be on Emery’s January shopping list.
The 23-year-old Dutchman taken to Old Trafford last summer by Erik ten Hag is now being shown the door by new boss Ruben Amorim, again according to the CaughtOffside.