Manchester City eyeing up possible move for Real Madrid star, club see player as a potential De Bruyne replacement - Reports
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a move for Arda Guler amid the Turkey international's uncertain future at Real Madrid. As per Tribal Football, the Cityzens view the highly-rated attacking midfielder as the potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
Even at 33, De Bruyne remains one of the best players in world football but his future at the Etihad Stadium has been up in the air. The Belgium international's current deal at Manchester City expires next summer and he has been heavily linked with an exit.
De Bruyne has struggled with injury problems over the last few seasons and has been consistently in and out of the team. However, he still plays a decisive role in almost every game he features in.
The creative midfielder joined Manchester City in 2015 from VfL Wolfsburg in a deal worth a reported £55 million. He has played a pivotal role in the Sky Blues' success since, contributing 103 goals and 171 assists in 388 games.
The former Chelsea midfielder has won 16 trophies during his time at the Etihad, including six Premier League titles. However, he has missed 49 games since August 2023 with various injury problems and could potentially consider an exit.
As per Tribal Football, Pep Guardiola's side are eyeing a move for Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler to replace their primary creator. The Turkish sensation has struggled for minutes since his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023 from Fenerbahce.
Guler played only 440 minutes of football last season and has racked up only 292 minutes this campaign. It has been claimed that the 19-year-old is weighing up his future in the Spanish capital and could push for a move even in January.
Guler has so far scored six goals for Real Madrid in 23 appearances while scoring thrice and producing another three assists in 16 caps for Turkey. He impressed for his country in Euro 2024 where he scored one goal and provided two assists in five games.
Pundit urges Arsenal to launch a move for Real Madrid star
Arsenal great Emmanuel Petit has urged the Gunners to launch a move for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo. The Frenchman has claimed that the Brazilian does not get his due credit at the Santiago Bernabeu due to the presence of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking to Genting Casino, the former World Cup-winning France midfielder urged Mikel Arteta to add more firepower to his side's attack with Rodrygo. Petit said:
"He has so much quality and I have always said he will be such a great player for them. If they cannot sign Williams, Arsenal need to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid as he's so underrated and gets overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr."
"He reminds me a bit of Sylvain Wiltord when I was at Arsenal. I really think he would be a star at the Emirates and be an amazing player who can play across all three positions across the front line."
Petit, who won four trophies for Arsenal during his stint at the club between 1997 and 2000, added:
"I know he was asked about Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. the other day and he responded: 'I am Rodrygo, look at what I did last season?' This guy is so underrated and perhaps he feels like he is being overshadowed at Real Madrid."
"In any case, he could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch."
Rodrygo has been a key player for Real Madrid over the years since his reported €45 million million from Santos in 2018. The Brazil international has won 12 trophies during his time at the club while contributing with 57 goals and 43 assists in 229 appearances.