“Has the talent to make a difference in the final third” - Journalist urges Arsenal to launch loan move for 19-year-old star

Journalist Charles Watts has urged Arsenal to launch a loan move for 19-year-old Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler. The Turkiye international has become one of the most exciting young players in football, leading to his move from Fenerbahce to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

However, he has suffered some injuries since joining the Spanish giants, which saw him play just 10 league games last season. He scored six goals in those games, showcasing his talent in his new club. This season, he has played 20 games in all competitions but has struggled to get playing time.

With Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe starting most of Madrid's matches, Guler has been limited to only one start in the Champions League. He has also managed just six starts in LaLiga. His one goal and two assists in the league have also come in those six starts.

With Arsenal missing out on Bukayo Saka, due to a long-term injury, Charles Watts believes the Gunners should look to sign Arda Guler on loan. He explained (via Caught Offside):

“Arda Guler on loan from Real Madrid would also be an interesting short term move. We’ve seen Arsenal have some success with a deal like that in the past. Just think of Martin Odegaard for example.

Guler is young, but he has shown he can perform on the biggest stage and has the talent to make a difference in the final third. So there could be options out there for Arsenal, it’s up to them to go out there and find them.”

While there is reported interest in Arda Guler from the Gunners, it is uncertain if Real Madrid would be willing to let the young playmaker leave the Bernabeu in January.

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Arsenal boss opens up about Bukayo Saka injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up about Bukayo Saka's injury. The winger fell to the turf during the Gunners' 5-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on December 21 and later left the stadium in crutches.

The England international has undergone surgery now, with Arteta revealing how long he would be unavailable. The manager said (via Eurosport):

"He had a procedure. Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks. I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don't know exactly how much longer.

"It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let's see, it's very difficult to say."

Arsenal will face Brentford in their New Year's Day Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium. They will have to do so without Saka, who has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 games this season.