Jose Mourinho has already told Arsenal why they need to seal ‘exceptional’ Arda Guler January move

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Arsenal are already turning their attention to the January transfer window, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta welcomed five players to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, with time already flying to the winter market.

The Gunners have some issues of depth to solve this winter, with several possible targets already identified.

Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler is one player Arsenal are targeting as the Turkish playmaker eyes additional game time away from the Bernabeu.

• READ MORE: Kai Havertz will be central to Arsenal January transfer plan as Mikel Arteta meets with Kroenkes

Jose Mourinho is a fan of Arsenal target Arda Guler

Euro 2024 was a tournament dominated by teenagers, and Guler was one of those who stood out.

The 19-year-old shone for Turkey on the international stage, earning rave reviews from some notable names.

Thierry Henry is an admirer of Guler, as is Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who has already told Arsenal why signing the youngster would be a wise decision.

Speaking to Turkish outlet HT Spor in September, Mourinho dubbed the Arsenal target as ‘exceptional’, explaining what makes the attacker so special.

“Arda is showing great personality and exceptional quality,” Mourinho said.

“To play at that club [Real Madrid], personality is crucial. Players must internalise that they are good enough to play there. They can’t be afraid.”

The former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United manager believes that Guler has passed the personality test to represent a club as vast as Real Madrid, which is a good sign for Arteta and Arsenal.

Guler’s Real Madrid career so far

Arsenal’s interest in Guler is something that has been seen before in some light, with regard to Martin Odegaard’s move from Madrid to North London.

The Turkish ace is experiencing a similar story at the Bernabeu, with his game time not reflecting his ability due to huge competition in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad of superstars. 

Since making the move from Fenerbahce to Real Madrid, Guler has only recorded eight starts, making a total of 24 appearances where he’s scored six times.

The teenager’s numbers are impressive given that he had a nightmare start to life at Real Madrid, suffering an ACL injury in August 2023, ruling him out for a lengthy spell to allow others to impress.

Everything is there to indicate that Guler would be a dazzling acquisition for the Gunners, who could certainly use some added inspiration in attack this season.