Arsenal are facing a pivotal period of their season both on and off the pitch with vital fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur but also the January transfer window is in full swing.
Mikel Arteta is desperate for attacking reinforcements and are ‘hot’ on the trail of Yeremay Hernandez following a shocking 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the semi final of the Carabao Cup.
Creativity has been a problem for Arsenal this season, which has sparked Theo Walcott to warn Arteta over their conservative style of play.
Arsenal need to be actively seeking opportunities in the market and it seems that they may be overlooking a talent that would be perfect following the injury to Bukayo Saka.
Arda Guler could be signed to replace injured Bukayo Saka
With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struggling to make any impact on the right wing, Arsenal should look to make a move for Real Madrid teenager Arda Guler.
Guler has been described as a player that ‘oozes confidence’ can play in a variety of positions across the front line – a trait that Arteta would be craving with a heavy fixture schedule.
Guler’s ability to glide past defenders and pick a defence-splitting pass would bring attributes to the Gunners line up that has perhaps been lacking in recent weeks and help to unlock Arsenal’s nemesis of low-block defences.
The Turkish international has been in good form for Real Madrid this season having appeared 21 times in all competitions and producing six goal contributions.
Arda Guler outperforming Martin Odegaard this season
With the versatility of Guler being one of his attractions, it is not only Saka who he could provide cover for. Guler could also compete with captain Martin Odegaard. Odegaard has received criticism from fans recently.
Should Arsenal manage to strike a deal to bring in the young Madrid midfielder, he would be bringing a different skillset to that of the Arsenal number eight.
| Key attacking this season (per 90) | Guler | Odegaard |
| Progressive passes received | 6.88 | 5.93 |
| Shots | 2.97 | 1.59 |
| Shots on target | 42.1% | 27.8% |
| Pass completion | 93.3% | 91.9% |
| Goal creating actions | 0.94 | 0.71 |
Odegaard has struggled for goals from open play and it seems that Guler could be better equipped to find the back of the net with superior stats in total shots and shots on target.
Interestingly, with Odegaard known as being Arsenal’s main playmaker, Guler outperforms the Norwegian this season in pass completion stats and goal creating actions.
With such versatility, creativity and age on his side, Arteta should be doing everything to prize the wonderful teenager away from Real Madrid and help to claim that elusive Premier League title.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
