Aston Villa’s remarkable ambition under Unai Emery continues to turn heads, and this time it’s directed at Real Madrid’s promising young talent, Arda Güler. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Villa is reportedly keeping a close eye on Güler’s situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With European competition and an ambitious Premier League campaign in full swing, Villa is exploring every avenue to enhance its squad depth and quality. This potential move could be a game-changer for the Villans and a defining opportunity for the Turkish sensation, Arda Güler.
In this article, we’ll dive into why Villa is pursuing Güler, how the young winger could fit within Emery’s tactical system, and what this move could mean for Real Madrid and Güler himself.
Who Is Arda Güler? The Turkish Sensation’s Rapid Rise
Arda Güler may be young, but his talent has already brought him significant attention across Europe. Born in Turkey in 2005, Güler quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young players in his home country. Known for his quick feet, vision, and playmaking abilities, he caught the eye of Real Madrid after impressing with Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
In 2023, Güler’s performances prompted Real Madrid to act fast, signing him in a deal that saw the Spanish giants beat out top clubs vying for his signature. Although he arrived at Real Madrid with high expectations, the 18-year-old has found it challenging to secure consistent playing time due to the fierce competition in Madrid’s first team. This, however, has not diminished his potential. With more game time, he could unlock his talents fully and reach the lofty expectations set for him.
For Villa, this is precisely the kind of profile that aligns with their current recruitment strategy. Young, hungry, and immensely skilled, Güler could thrive at a club eager to make its mark domestically and in European competition.
Why Aston Villa Is Interested in Arda Güler
Under Emery’s guidance, Aston Villa has made several strategic signings that have helped the team grow into a formidable force. Emery’s style demands players who can not only adapt to various tactical shifts but also bring creativity, energy, and vision—qualities that Güler has in abundance.
1. Youth and Potential: Villa’s interest in Güler is indicative of their strategy to blend young talent with experienced professionals. Güler, though still developing, has the potential to become a crucial asset for Villa in the near future. His skill set matches Villa’s need for a creative player who can offer fresh options in attack and quickly adapt to high-intensity play.
2. Versatility: Güler’s ability to play in multiple positions across the midfield and attack gives him an edge. While primarily a right-winger, he can slot in as a central attacking midfielder or even on the left, offering Emery more flexibility in setting up his formation. For a team that competes in Europe and faces a grueling schedule, having a player like Güler who can fill various roles is invaluable.
3. Skillset: Known for his dribbling ability and close control, Güler could bring a unique spark to Villa’s frontline. His passing and vision make him an ideal fit for a possession-oriented team, while his pace and technique enable him to exploit spaces, making Villa more dangerous in transitions.
4. Immediate Impact: Villa’s attacking lineup already boasts players like Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby, and Ollie Watkins. However, Güler’s creativity and ball control could add another layer to Villa’s attack. His presence on the field would make it harder for opponents to contain Villa’s wingers, freeing up space for other attackers to exploit.
How Güler Could Fit into Emery’s System
Unai Emery has transformed Villa with a dynamic, tactically flexible setup that has earned them a reputation as a team capable of mixing it up with the Premier League’s top sides. Emery favors structured defensive work paired with quick, effective transitions—a playing style that can benefit from a creative player like Güler. Here’s how Güler could slot into Villa’s lineup:
1. As a Right Winger: Güler’s natural position as a right-winger would allow him to complement Villa’s attacking setup without major disruptions. His ability to cut inside, combined with his vision and passing accuracy, would enable him to link up effectively with Villa’s central midfielders and attackers, creating more chances.
2. In an Attacking Midfield Role: Should Emery decide to use him in a more central position, Güler could operate as a traditional No. 10, bridging the midfield and the attack. This role would allow him to orchestrate play, distributing passes to Villa’s quick wingers and stretching the opposition’s defense. Emery’s 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations would suit Güler well, especially given his technical prowess and creativity.
3. Rotation and Squad Depth: Emery’s high-intensity style demands a deep roster, particularly with European commitments. By bringing Güler into the squad, Villa would have more options in the midfield and on the wings, enabling Emery to rotate key players without compromising on quality.
4. Adaptability and Growth: While still raw, Güler has shown he can adapt to different tactical setups. Emery’s ability to develop young players would be instrumental in helping Güler refine his skills and harness his potential. Güler’s presence would also challenge Villa’s current wingers to step up, fostering healthy competition within the squad.
What Real Madrid Stands to Gain
For Real Madrid, allowing Güler to leave on loan would be a strategic move with long-term benefits. Madrid boasts a star-studded roster with fierce competition, especially in attacking positions. Although Güler has been on their radar as a future star, giving him valuable experience in the Premier League could help Madrid unlock his potential and have him return as a more developed player.
Loaning Güler to a Premier League club with European ambitions provides Real Madrid the assurance that he would be exposed to high-level football, both in the league and in European competition. If he succeeds at Villa, Real Madrid could either reintegrate him into their squad or consider a lucrative transfer, knowing his value would have appreciated.
Madrid is no stranger to loaning out young talent, as evidenced by successful loan stints for players like Martin Ødegaard, who went on to flourish and subsequently join Arsenal. Güler could follow a similar path, allowing him to gain the experience and confidence required to handle the demands at a top club like Madrid.
The Potential Challenges of a Move
While the prospect of a loan deal for Güler is appealing, there are challenges that Villa and Güler would need to navigate for the transfer to be successful.
1. Adjustment Period: Coming from La Liga, Güler would need time to adapt to the physical and fast-paced nature of the Premier League. Villa’s fans would have to be patient as he settles into a new playing environment and builds chemistry with his teammates.
2. Real Madrid’s Terms: Real Madrid is known for its strict terms on loan deals, often inserting buy-back clauses or stipulations regarding playing time. Villa would need to negotiate a deal that allows them to benefit from Güler’s skills without being bound by restrictive clauses.
3. Villa’s Competitive Squad: Villa’s existing roster already boasts several quality players vying for limited spots. Güler would need to compete for his place in the lineup, and Emery would face the challenge of managing squad rotation effectively to keep Güler satisfied with his role.
Aston Villa’s Growing Ambitions in the Transfer Market
Villa’s interest in Güler is yet another example of their rising ambition under Unai Emery and owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens. With a growing reputation in Europe and substantial investment in talent, Villa has transformed itself from a mid-table club into one capable of competing for European spots. The club’s recruitment has been intelligent and forward-thinking, focusing on players who can offer both immediate impact and long-term growth.
Should Villa succeed in bringing Güler on board, it would reinforce their commitment to building a team capable of competing with England’s elite. Signing a talent of Güler’s caliber would not only elevate Villa’s performance on the pitch but also signal their intent to attract and develop top young players who might otherwise be out of reach.
A Win-Win Scenario for All
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Arda Güler represents a bold move that could yield significant benefits for both the player and the club. For Güler, the opportunity to gain regular playing time in one of the world’s most challenging leagues could be pivotal in his development. For Villa, acquiring a young player of his quality would add depth, skill, and creativity to their squad, providing Emery with an additional weapon in his tactical arsenal.
The move could also benefit Real Madrid, as they would be sending Güler to a team that values development and is prepared to offer him the game time he needs to progress. If Güler excels, Madrid would have a refined talent on their hands, ready to make an impact upon his return or boost his value for a future transfer.
As the January transfer window approaches, Villa’s interest in Güler is one to watch. It’s a potential deal with all the makings of a win-win scenario, and if completed, it could mark another milestone in Aston Villa’s journey towards becoming a Premier League powerhouse.