Barcelona have reportedly stolen a march on Real Madrid in the race to sign Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler.
The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe and ended the 2022-23 season with six goals and seven assists from 35 games in all tournaments.
Guler featured from the first whistle in 11 Super Lig games for Fenerbahce, while also playing the full 90 in their Turkish Cup final success over Istanbul Basaksehir, providing an assist for Michy Batshuayi.
The 2005-born midfielder now has nine goals and 12 assists under his belt from 51 appearances for Fenerbahce, who still have him under contract until the summer of 2025.
However, the Turkish giants are seemingly fighting a losing battle to keep hold of their protege this summer, as a collection of Europe's top clubs are hoping to prise him away from his homeland.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that his side are hoping to strike a deal for Guler, who is also rumoured to be on the radar of Real Madrid.
Now, reports in Spain claim that Barca are close to winning the race for the Turkey international, whom they are hoping to confirm a deal for within the next few days.
Guler's Fenerbahce contract reportedly includes a release clause of €17.5m (£15m), and Barcelona sporting director Deco has proposed an agreement which would see La Blaugrana spread the cost over two years.
As part of the deal, Fenerbahce would keep Guler on loan for the 2023-24 campaign, and Barcelona would pay the rest of his release clause when he officially makes the move to Camp Nou in 12 months time.
Barcelona's need to comply with Financial Fair Play rules means that they cannot integrate Guler into the squad at this moment in time, but the 18-year-old is still believed to have a chance of arriving this summer if Xavi's side can make a number of sales.
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Furthermore, there are still a couple of roadblocks to navigate, as Fenerbahce are reportedly demanding 20% of any future sale, while Guler is keen to transfer to Barcelona immediately.
Nevertheless, with Deco holding positive conversations with Guler's camp, there is confidence that the midfielder will be registered to Barcelona by the time that the current window shuts.
A four-cap Turkey international, Guler scored his first goal for his nation against Wales in a Euro 2024 qualifying win on June 19, and he can operate as a right winger, number 10, left winger and central midfielder.
The Blaugrana have already bolstered their midfield ranks this summer with the capture of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Manchester City, fending off interest from Arsenal to sign the Germany international on a two-year deal.
Barca could still try to sign a new number six following Sergio Busquets's departure, but Laporta has ruled out moves for either Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich or Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
Ben Knapton
