Arsenal in race against time to complete ‘Turkish Messi’ deal – sources
Interested clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle face a race against the clock to seal a deal for Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (26 June) that Mikel Arteta’s side have leapfrogged the Magpies in the chase for the 18-year-old.
Guler currently has a £15million release clause in his Fenerbahce contract – which runs until June 2025.
However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Turkish giants are trying to tie their top talent down to a new deal – wiping that clause out.
Arsenal and Newcastle are joined in the fight for Guler’s signature by European giants Barcelona and Ajax.
It is believed the player’s camp feel the best route to regular first-team football could be in Amsterdam – with Ajax boasting a well-earned reputation as a top destination for top young talent.
Guler is one of the most sought-after young players in world football and enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning goal in Turkey’s Euro 2024 qualifier win over Wales last week.
The attacking midfielder notched six goals and seven assists across 35 appearances in all competitions and lifted the Turkish Cup earlier this month.
Guler signed a fresh three-year deal at Fenerbahce last year (2022), keeping him at the club until June 2025 – but could be set to pen new terms to allow his side to reap the maximum fee for his talents.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted the Gunners must strengthen if they are to win the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign.
The Londoners are widely expected to announce the signing of Chelsea’s Kai Havertz in due course.
In other news, Crystal Palace set sights on Arsenal star.