Real Madrid made an excellent start to the season, with three wins in three games in its first Liga games.
Xabi Alonso's team worked well, and one of its most remarkable players was Arda Guller.
Güler experienced first difficult seasons in Real Madrid, after his transfer from Fenerbahçe in 2023. Carlo Ancelotti was not convinced, but Alonso either – that is why we count as much on him today.
Güler experienced first difficult seasons in Real Madrid
But according to Fabrizio Romano (via Cauughtoffside), things could have been very different to Gulle, because it was revealed that he could have joined Arsenal this summer – even if, at the arrival of Alonso, this possibility was completely dismissed.
From what I was told, a club, around October-November 2024, was ready to attack in case Carlo Ancelotti remains at Real Madrid this season and in case Real Madrid opened the way for a departure from Arda Guller.
A club planned an offensive to try to get Arda Guller before the arrival of Xabi Alonso and closed all the doors to this possibility, as the player has done in recent years, because he has always dreamed of playing for Madrid.
This club was Arsenal. Arsenal considered this possibility around October-November, before the appointment of Andrea Berta at the head of the club. But last year, Arsenal considered the possibility of recruiting Arda Guller in case Ancelotti remains at Real Madrid and in case he paved the way for a departure from Arda Guller in a situation similar to that of Martin Odegaard.
They therefore envisage this possibility. Then, a new director at Arsenal – Andrea Berta -, a new coach at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, a new life for Arda Guller at Real Madrid, holder to all matches, and therefore no chance – that did not give rise to negotiations. But I can guarantee that during internal discussions around October, November 2024, Arda Guller was mentioned for Arsenal.
Arda Guller is a key player for Xabi Alonso
It is easy to understand why Alonso favors as much guy, because he flourished in a deeper role. However, it will be interesting to see if he will continue to play regularly when Jude Bellingham returns from injury, which should occur in the next six weeks.
