Real Madrid have reportedly beaten Barcelona to the signing of Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler.
The 18-year-old has been the subject of interest from clubs all over Europe, including AC Milan, but the midfielder has seemingly chosen the Santiago Bernabeu as his next destination.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Real Madrid are set to agree a deal worth slightly more than his £17.5m release clause, and Mario Cortegana has claimed that the player is more keen on Real than Barcelona.
It was previously unclear whether he would be immediately loaned out from whichever club he joined, but it now seems that he will link up with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad next season.
What role could Guler play at Real Madrid?
The teenager is naturally an attacking midfielder but has played in a variety of positions and is also comfortable on the right-hand side.
Real have incredible depth in central areas following the arrival of Jude Bellingham, and it seems unlikely that Guler will be able to gain much game time in the middle.
With Rodrygo now the first-choice pick on the right wing, Guler may have to contend with Brahim Diaz for a backup role, and unless Ancelotti prioritises the Turkey international, it seems minutes may be initially difficult.
However, if Rodrygo moves to a central striker role for the season, with the spot vacant following Karim Benzema’s departure, then Guler could slot in on the right.
He has been compared to former Real Madrid fan favourite Mesut Ozil and even played with the World Cup winner at Fenerbahce. If he can reach a similar level to the German, who left ten years ago, then Los Blancos will have a world-class talent on their hands.
Guler, a childhood fan of the club, will achieve his dream of lining up for Real Madrid, and even if he does not initially play regularly, it is clear that the club rate him highly enough that he will eventually gain a fair chance to prove himself.