Will Real Madrid target Arda Güler join Barcelona instead?

Barcelona are set to challenge Real Madrid for Fenerbahce’s Arda Güler, who is also interesting a number of other clubs across Europe.

Barça’s incoming technical secretary, former Blaugrana player Deco, is understood to be preparing a charm offensive to lure Güler, 18, to the Camp Nou.

Barça ready to give Güler greater immediate role than Real Madrid

The midfielder has a €17.5 million release clause at Fenerbahce - a sum Barça would be able to pay without too much difficulty.

The quality of Güler’s performances for Fenerbahce, who he inspired to victory in this month’s Turkish Cup final, suggest that the teenager could be ready to make an immediate impact in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Already capped by Turkey, Güler is keen to join a club that’s prepared to give him a significant first-team role right away. For this reason, Madrid’s plan to loan him straight back to Fenerbahce for a season has been given short shrift.

Güler wants to leave Turkish football now, and Deco plans to capitalise on this wish to win the race for the talented youngster’s signature.

Güler earns Özil comparisons

Güler inherited Mesut Özil’s No. 10 shirt when the former Madrid man left Fenerbahce in 2022, and comparisons between the pair are inevitable. Both are left-footed and tend to operate in the same areas of the pitch.

Although Güler’s favoured position is in the hole behind the strikers, Fenerbahce have most frequently used him on the right of the midfield in a 4-4-2 formation. He has also played in a more central midfield role, which is where Turkey head coach Stefan Kuntz feels he has the most potential.

Güler has so far made four appearances for Turkey, scoring his first international goal in this month’s 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Wales.

At Barça, he could play as a right-sided midfielder in a four-man engine room, or offer high-quality cover for Pedri in a midfield three.