Arsenal have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Fenerbahce star Arder Gular, with Barcelona pushing to put themselves in pole position to acquire the services of the forward. Numerous clubs are interested in acquiring the services of the talented teenager, though Barca sporting director Deco has been in direct communication with the player’s entourage this week.
Mikel Arteta has enjoyed an incredible start to the summer transfer window, acquiring the services of Kai Havertz from Chelsea recently in a deal worth up to £65million. Talks are also ongoing with Ajax over defender Jurrien Timber, who has been identified as the ideal defensive signing to provide depth across the backline.
Arsenal are also on the cusp of signing Declan Rice from West Ham, with Arteta addressing key areas of his squad. The Spaniard is now looking at how he can acquire an alternative in the final third and had reportedly green-lighted a move for Gular following his sensational breakout campaign in the Super Lig.
The 18-year-old reportedly has a £15million release clause in his contract, which is well within the reach of top clubs around the world. However, Barca club president Joan Laporta has confirmed that he has sent new director Deco to Turkey to push negotiations and try and ensure that they can secure his signature.
Speaking at a Spanish press conference on Friday, he explained: “Today Deco was in Istanbul, La Liga allows us to carry out operations for next season without impacting Financial Fair Play. Arda Guler is a very talented player who Deco likes a lot and we are trying to close the operation.”
Guler scored four and assisted three in 20 Super Lig appearances last season, though those figures do not do justice to the impact he made for Jorge Jesus’ side. Deco is not the only ex-pro to have heaped the praise on the teenager as a result, with Gunners legend Mesut Ozil also among his admirers.
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