Arsenal hoping to repeat Martin Odegaard success story with Real Madrid outcast: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly looking to replicate the Martin Odegaard success story with Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, who has struggled for first-team minutes since arriving from Fenerbahce last summer.
Guler, 19, has scored six times in 24 outings across competitions for Los Blancos, with all six strikes coming in La Liga. However, this season, the teenager is without a goal contribution in 12 outings across competitions, starting thrice.
Guler's struggles to break into Carlo Ancelotti's XI bears resemblance to a young Odegaard's since arriving at Los Blancos in 2015. The Dane struggled to break into a midfield comprising Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro and spent several stints on loan.
One of them was at Arsenal in January 2021 before the move became permanent in the summer. Odegaard hasn't looked back since then, becoming a key player for Mikel Arteta's side.
As per SPORT (via GOAL), the Gunners hope to repeat the Norwegian's story with Guler, who has played 307 minutes this season. There's speculation that the Turkish teenager is frustrated with his lack of game time and seeking regular playing time elsewhere.
The Gunners are reportedly contemplating a loan move for Guler when the transfer window reopens in January, with the player starting just eight times since arriving at Real Madrid last summer.
How has former Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard fared at Arsenal?
Martin Odegaard has made 158 appearances across competitions for Arsenal, contributing 35 goals and 26 assists. That includes an assist in five games across competitions this season before an ankle injury kept him sidelined for a while.
The 25-year-old played key roles in the Gunners' quest for the Premier League title in the last two seasons. Mikel Arteta's side came close to ending their league title drought since 2003-04 when they led for a record 248 days in the 2022-23 campaign. Odegard contributed 15 goals and seven assists in 37 outings, but the Gunners eventually lost out to Manchester City.
Last season, the Gunners made a more sustained push for the title, keeping the title race alive till the final day. But Pep Guardiola's City reigned supreme once again, finishing two points in front to become the first team in English top-flight history to win four straight titles. Odegaard's contribution to the Gunners' cause was eight goals and 10 assists in 35 games.
The former Real Madrid man returned to action for the Gunners in a 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat at Inter Milan earlier this month.