Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'keeping tabs on Turkish teen Arda Guler'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 10 April 2023

Barcelona reportedly join the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Fenerbahce's highly-rated teenage attacker Arda Guler.

Barcelona are reportedly the latest team to show an interest in Fenerbahce teenage sensation Arda Guler.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Turkish giants in the 2021-22 campaign and has established himself as a regular fixture throughout the current season.

Guler has recorded four goals and three assists from 23 appearances in all matches during the 2022-23 season, taking his total for the club to seven goals and eight assists in 39 contests.

The 2005-born youngster is only under contract at Fenerbahce for another two years, though, and the Turkish giants are seemingly facing an uphill battle to retain his services.

Arsenal and Liverpool are both said to have sent scouts to keep an eye on Guler last year, while Paris Saint-Germain apparently failed with a January approach.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Interest in Guler is only expected to intensify in the coming months, and according to Relevo, Barcelona have now joined the race for his signature.

La Blaugrana chiefs reportedly believe that the Turkish starlet has the potential to become a world-beater, and Joan Laporta has given the green light to a summer approach.

Fenerbahce are not willing to do business for anything less than €20m (£17.5m), but Barcelona would likely be able to come up with the funds despite their ongoing financial concerns.

Recruiting young talent and signing experienced players on free transfers is expected to be Barca's priority for the upcoming window, as they cannot economically compete with clubs in the Premier League for big-name transfers.

As a result, clubs in England could be better placed to prise Guler away from Fenerbahce, while a host of Bundesliga teams are also said to be keeping a close eye on developments.

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto celebrates scoring against Real Madrid on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Guler has largely featured in an attacking midfield role during the current campaign, but he has also featured on both wings, as a second striker and as an out-and-out central midfielder on occasion.

The teenager's versatility would make him an appealing prospect to Xavi, who could be waving goodbye to a number of his current attackers ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The father of Ansu Fati has urged his son to leave Barcelona due to his lack of starts, while the Blaugrana are also said to be open to offers for Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

A new midfielder will be on the agenda if Sergio Busquets leaves as a free agent at the end of the season, although Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan is their top target in the engine room.

Barcelona can move 15 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table with a victory over Girona on Monday night.