Transfer Profile: Arda Güler

Transfer Profile: Arda Güler

By Jonny Bray
Several major European clubs are keeping close tabs on Fenerbahçe S.K.’s 17-year-old playmaker Arda Güler.
There appears to be palpable excitement surrounding the teenager who has broken into the Turkish side’s first team this season. Reports from Turkish media site Fanatik suggest that Arsenal sent scouts to watch the youngster in Fenerbahçe’s 2-0 Intercontinental derby win over city rivals Galatasaray on Sunday.
But who is he, and what exactly could he bring to Arteta’s Gunners.

Background

Güler was born on 25 February 2005 in Turkey’s capital Ankara and has represented his country at under-17 level, scoring four times in ten appearances. 
He joined Fenerbahçe’s youth side in 2019 and was impressive in his first season for their under-19s. 
The then 15-year-old ended the 2020-21 season as the top scorer with an impressive ten goals and seven assists in 22 games – a goal or assist every 107 minutes.
His youth team performances earned him a call up to the senior side this season.
And the attacking midfielder has not been overawed by the step-up in quality.
He has excelled despite limited opportunities as the Süper Lig team look to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2018. 
Güler made his debut at 16 against Finnish outfit HJK in the Europa League play-off round back in August 2021 and has shown a great deal of promise ever since.
He has provided two goals and four assists in only 301 minutes in all competitions – an exceptional return for such a young player.

What does he offer?

Güler’s primary position is in the number ten role, operating best just behind the striker, although the left-footer is also comfortable cutting in from the right-wing.
His stand-out strengths are his vision and range of passing, frequently finding attackers in space with raking long balls.
The teenager also has superb ball control and a carrying style that will remind many of Phillipe Coutinho.
The diminutive attacker might struggle with the Premier League’s physicality and would certainly need to bulk up if a move was made.
However, that is an expectation of most young creative players who come to the Premier League.

How likely is a deal?

As mentioned, Arsenal are clearly interested in the creative maestro.
Last month, his former coach Erol Tokgözler told CCN Turk that both the Gunners and Bayern Munich have already submitted offers.
It looks likely then that he is bound to leave Turkish football in the coming seasons, and given Fenerbahçe’s highly documented financial troubles, he could be available at a cut-price.
Transfermarkt currently value the starlet at £1.98M, an incredible deal for a highly thought of player.
However, Güler signed a two-year extension with Fener last month to keep him contracted until 2025, no doubt to ward off circling giants like Bayern Munich and Liverpool, who are also reportedly interested.

Conclusion

Güler is one of the most exciting young players in Europe and the Gunners would be lucky to sign him.
If they move now, Arsenal could sign the teenager at a far fairer price than if they wait for him to develop into the elite player many expect him to become. 
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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