Arsenal want to sign superstar Neymar called 'best in the world'

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • 14 Jan 2026 18:57 GMT
  • 4 min read
Neymar, Arsenal
© IMAGO

Arsenal remain interested in Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Turkish youngster was one of the big beneficiaries of Xabi Alonso's ultimately doomed Real Madrid project. Guler previously struggled under Carlo Ancelotti, but he became a superstar under Alonso's stewardship.

With the Spaniard now having been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, there are major question marks over Guler's role in the team. Arbeloa's managerial style resembles that of Ancelotti more than Alonso's.

Current ETV
Player image Arda Güler
Arda Güler

AM (C), M (CR)

Real Madrid logo

Real Madrid

Arda Güler
Arda Güler

AM (C), M (CR)

Real Madrid

Real Madrid

€68.5M

ETV Range

€61.6M - €75.3M

Defensa Central claims that "the worst is feared" following Alonso's dismissal and that Arsenal are still lurking in the background for Guler. The Gunners hold a long-standing interest in the 20-year-old.

The report asserts that Arsenal could be tempted into making a January move for Guler, having already explored a Martin Odegaard-style deal in the past. However, Guler is still determined to stay and fight for his place - for now.

Neymar: Guler is the best midfielder in the world

This news comes mere days after Brazilian megastar Neymar described Guler as the "best midfielder in the world" in a hilarious clip that has since been widely ridiculed on social media.

Neymar, who has had his fair share of relationship escapades, was speaking to a Turkish influencer and has been accused of trying to impress her with his comment. "Arda Guler, he's an amazing player, he has quality," the Santos star said. "I think he's the best midfielder in the world."

Arda Guler
© IMAGO - Arda Guler

Guler has made 20 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. It's evidently a stretch to call him the best midfielder in the world.

Despite his strong relationship with Alonso, Guler also has to share in some of the blame for the coach's dismissal. His recent offensive production has been nowhere near as impressive as it was in the early stages of the season.

He would likely struggle for minutes at Arsenal should the Gunners decide to act on their interest.

Football transfer news headlines today

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Liverpool deal takes step forward as Guehi bid prepared

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd manager plan, Klopp to Real Madrid, Diomande latest

Chelsea boss Rosenior confirms transfer talks with two players

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.