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Arsenal to sign Guler or Rodrygo? Fabrizio Romano delivers surprise update
Tom Weber
- Updated: 10 Sep 2025 04:24 CDT
- 4 min read
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal were previously interested in Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler.
The Turkish youngster has seen his Los Blancos career revitalised by the arrival of Xabi Alonso as the club's new head coach. Guler has started all three of Real Madrid's LaLiga games so far, notching a goal and an assist.
However, not long ago, the situation looked bleak for the 20-year-old. Ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti only sparingly used him with the justification that Guler was still too inexperienced to be a regular starter for Real Madrid.
His lack of minutes led to perennial links with a move away, with Arsenal and Liverpool in particular cited as interested clubs. The link to the Gunners was an easy one to make as they previously snapped up Martin Odegaard after he failed to break into the Real Madrid team.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Guler's name really did come up during internal discussions at Arsenal in late 2024. However, the chances of a move are currently nonexistent as the youngster is delighted with life under Xabi Alonso.
Guler not moving to Arsenal
"Arsenal, last year, considered the possibility of going for Guler, in case that Ancelotti was going to end up staying at Real Madrid and in case that maybe they opened the doors to the exit of Guler in a similar situation to Odegaard in the past," Romano said on his YouTube channel.
"They considered that possibility. Then, a new director at Arsenal, Andrea Berta, new coach at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, new life for Guler at Real Madrid, starting all games, and so: no chance. It didn't become a negotiation."
While a move for Guler now looks unrealistic, Arsenal continue to monitor the situation at Real Madrid following their summer interest in Rodrygo.
The North London club are still linked with the Brazilian amid the uncertain future of Gabriel Martinelli. However, they are far from the only English side attracted to Rodrygo.
Man City also plotted a summer assault for the 24-year-old before ultimately deciding to back Savinho. According to CaughtOffside, the Cityzens, not Arsenal, are the frontrunners for Rodrygo should he decide to leave Real Madrid in 2026.
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