Sources: Newcastle United intensify talks to sign ‘Turkish Messi’ after jetting out for talks
Newcastle United are intensifying their efforts to sign Fenerbahce attacking midfield sensation Arda Guler, sources have told Football Insider.
This development comes after this site revealed (7 May) a meeting between the 18-year-old’s family and the Magpies in Dubai last month.
Newcastle see the teenager, who has been dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ following his breakthrough this term, as a future star in the making.
It is believed there is growing interest in his services from Barcelona and Ajax – but Fenerbahce are desperate to keep him at the club.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a hotly-contested race for Guler’s signature is expected, but Newcastle are confident of an agreement following the meeting in the Middle East.
The Magpies believe the starlet fits the profile of talent they are trying to bring to the club as their Saudi-backed project continues to take shape.
Guler made his senior debut at Fenerbahce in August 2021 but has made his mark for the Turkish giants in the 2022-23 campaign.
He has notched six goals and six assists across 34 appearances in all competitions ahead of the final day of the Turkish Lig season this week.
The attacking midfield sensation signed a fresh three-year deal at the Istanbul giants in 2022, keeping him at the club until June 2025.
Guler has already made his senior bow for the Turkey national side, debuting in a friendly win over the Czech Republic last year (2022).
Newcastle have placed an emphasis on signing young talent as well as moving for big-money stars since the Saudi-backed takeover in 2021.
The Magpies are reportedly close to completing a deal for 18-year-old Gambia international winger Yankuba Minteh after his breakthrough season at Danish club Odense.
In other news, big update on Newcastle bid to sign relegated star.