Why Arda Guler to Arsenal transfer makes complete sense amid huge concern for Real Madrid star

Real Madrid's young star Arda Guler has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old has been on the fringes of the team this season, starting just three matches in La Liga with substitute appearances in a further five of their 13 games. With the Spanish champions boasting a wealth of attacking quality, it's been difficult for the Turkish star to make an impact.

That's in stark contrast to how he finished last season for the Spanish giants, with five goals in his last five league games of the campaign, having missed the entire first half of the season due to injury.

His lack of playing time this season has lead to links with a move away on loan, and Arsenal have reportedly made contact with the player's representatives about a deal. According to Sport, the Gunners are keen on a repeat of Martin Odegaard's successful transfer - which first began as a six-month loan deal to north London.

According to the report, Guler could agree to a move if he has no future in the Spanish capital under Carlo Ancelotti. Should Arsenal be able to get a deal done, it could provide exactly what the club have been missing in recent times.

Guler plays primarily on the right side of attack, whether that is as an out-and-out winger or in attacking midfield. Should Mikel Arteta be able to convince him to join, he could be the ideal back-up to both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, allowing the Gunners boss to rotate his key duo more regularly, with Saka in particular having played plenty of minutes in recent years.

But therein lies the problem for Arsenal. They are definitely an attractive proposition as a club at the moment, and a move for Guler would arguably be perfect for them in the January window. But why would a player like Guler trade getting substitute appearances in Madrid for the same outcome in London?

At his age, the Turkish star will be seeking regular football at a top European club. And with Odegaard and Saka in the starting XI, there's no place for him to do that at Arsenal.

While Saka has struggled with his fitness recently, and Odegaard did face a six-week spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, it will be tough to convince him of the benefits of moving on a short-term deal for exactly the same situation he is facing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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