Arsenal Transfer News: Arteta in love with 'perfect' Odegaard-esque star

Arsenal are reportedly strong admirers of one of Real Madrid’s most talented youngsters – and are ready to persuade him over to north London.

The Gunners remain in pole position for the Premier League title as Mikel Arteta looks to have finally cracked the code following three successive second-place finishes.

With the north Londoners regaining their status as one of England’s and Europe’s strongest sides, it seems as though Arteta is intent on ensuring Arsenal remain fighting for the highest honours for years to come.

In years gone by, it would be the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona approaching Arsenal for their best talent, but with the wind in their sails amid the Gunners topping the Premier League and Champions League tables, it seems as though the tables could be turning.

According to Spanish transfer news outlet Fichajes, Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, with the Spaniard keen on adding him to his squad.

The 20-year-old has a long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, but such is the ambition in N5, Arsenal are reportedly prepared to do what it takes to bring the Turkey international to the capital.

It is said that Arteta believes Guler to be a ‘perfect fit’ for Arsenal’s style, and that his signing could elevate the team’s level of quality thanks to his vast array of skills.

However, this is partly why this deal will not be easy, as Real Madrid have no intention or pressure to sell the attacking midfielder, while the player himself is not exactly angling for a move away.

It is no surprise Arteta is such a fan of Guler, with the midfielder already reaching 10 assists as he has stepped up in a Madrid team that has underperformed by their lofty standards this term.

Meanwhile, according to FBref, Guler is statistically most similar to Gunners captain Martin Odegaard.

Arteta appeared to bulk up central midfield over the summer with the acquisition of Eberechi Eze, but with Ethan Nwaneri set to head out on loan this January, there is perhaps room for another option who can truly challenge Odegaard’s starting place.

Guler’s attacking instincts are certainly impressive, as among midfielders in the top five European leagues, Champions League and Europa League, he ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive passes – which is one of Odegaard’s key strengths, as he ranks in the top 3% on this metric.

In contrast, Eze only ranks in the 10th percentile in that regard (and in the 36th percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers).

This suggests that Guler would be more natural competition for Odegaard given the areas he excels.

Whether that is bad news for Eze remains to be seen, but you would imagine a more like-for-like, top-class alternative to Odegaard that Arsenal don’t already possess can only enhance the squad, particularly if the Norwegian’s injury issues come back to haunt him.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.