According to ESPN, Real Madrid is on the verge of edging out Barcelona in the competition to recruit Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler.
According to ESPN, the deal is not yet finalized, but it is close, with the 18-year-old midfielder expressing a desire to play for Real Madrid.
Guler has a €17.5 million ($19 million) release clause, but sources tell ESPN that the final transfer fee could be around €20 million.
The original plan for Madrid was to bring in Guler for the medium term because he is considered a long-term investment, but the offer from Barcelona, as well as strong interest from AC Milan, Sevilla, and other Premier League clubs, compelled Madrid to react and accelerate negotiations quickly.
Carlo Ancelotti’s goal is for Guler to spend the preseason with the first team, but ESPN sources close to the player say a loan move to another team to gain regular action is not out of the question.
Last week, ESPN claimed that Guler is a passionate Madrid fan who aspires to be like his idol, Mesut Ozil.
Barcelona attempted to outbid Madrid for Arda’s contract, sending new sporting director Deco to Istanbul, but sources told ESPN that Madrid decided to improve on Barca’s offer and expected to secure the highly regarded midfielder.
According to a source close to the negotiations, Madrid has been interested in Guler since the 2021-22 season, with Madrid’s top scout Juni Calafat playing a crucial role in clinching the transaction.
Guler has appeared in 35 games for Fenerbahce this season, scoring six goals and assisting seven others.
The teenage midfielder understands how difficult it will be to carve out a spot in a midfield with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham.
Guler, who can also play on the right side of an attack, believes he has the skills to compete for a spot at the club.
