Arda Guler to Arsenal transfer links spell bad news for Ethan Nwaneri in bold Mikel Arteta call

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Arsenal are preparing for a January transfer window that could dictate the outcome of their Premier League title push.

The Gunners are currently off the pace by nine points, with Mikel Arteta clearly needing to pick his side up to push on again.

While there are a few months until the January transfer window, it could prove a pivotal point in bolstering the Arsenal ranks.

Arsenal have been linked with a striker transfer for the coming window, though that may not be the only place they strengthen.

Recent links have also appeared over a move surrounding Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler, who isn’t having the easiest of times.

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Arsenal linked with Arda Guler transfer switch

Guler joined Real Madrid in July 2023, touted as one of the next big prospects that Los Blancos have managed to land once again.

He showed as much in Euro 2024, starring for Turkey with some fabulous strikes to help them reach the latter stages of the competition.

However, on the domestic stage, he has struggled, making just 24 appearances for Real Madrid which includes only eight starts.

With a lack of game time, a move away could be on the cards as Sport reports that Arsenal are showing interest in a potential switch.

The Spanish side’s stance on a move is unclear, however he does have a contract until 2029, securing his long-term future.

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Arda Guler move could prevent Ethan Nwaneri opportunities

While a move for Guler would suggest that Arsenal are pushing on to a player who can battle Martin Odegaard for the number ten position, that may be costly for their academy prospects.

Not least Ethan Nwaneri, who at just 17 years old is already proving that he has a potentially big future ahead of him.

The youngster has been drafted into the first team on many occasions, though Arteta has always been keen to stress patience with his development.

There will be opportunities to bring him into the mix in the future, though not rushing him into situations before he’s ready is important.

However, adding another youngster in the form of Guler in his way may only further limit his chances in the first team, spelling bad news if it does go through.

How Ethan Nwaneri and Arda Guler stats compare

There is a two-year-and-one-month age gap between Nwaneri and Guler, which is important to keep in mind when discussing and comparing them.

Add to that the fact that development isn’t linear and it prefaces a stark difference in the opportunities the pair have seen so far.

It’s fair to say that both are promising youngsters but there is a clear experience gap between the pair that can only be bridged by playing games.

Whether that experience for Guler would result in a move being made remains to be seen, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of Nwaneri’s own chances in the team.