A fresh insight into the ongoing battle for the services of Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler has been provided on Saturday.
For those not aware, Guler is a gifted attacking midfielder, widely considered to be one of the finest talents in not only Turkey, but all of Europe.
The starlet is fresh off a breakout campaign in his home country, which saw him rack up six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances, despite, remarkably, having only turned 18 back in February.
Guler is a fully established senior international, too, boasting a solitary goal across four appearances in Turkey colours.
Already drawing comparisons with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear that a whole host of the continent’s heavyweight clubs have begun expressing an interest in the teen’s signature.
Just yesterday, for example, reports began to come to the fore, pointing towards Arsenal moving ahead of Premier League rivals Newcastle United in the race for Guler’s services.
As per Matteo Moretto of Relevo, La Liga champions Barcelona have made ‘significant progress’ in their bid to beat out the competition to land Guler.
Blaugrana sporting director Deco is understood to have flown out to Turkey this week, to hold direct discussions with Fenerbahce.
And the talks in question evidently gave rise to an evident outcome, amid claims that Barca are now close to striking a deal.
Crucially, the powers that be at the Camp Nou are said to have opened to the possibility of the youngster remaining in Istanbul on loan next season, allowing them to move ahead of Clasico rivals Real Madrid in the Guler sweepstakes.
Further developments, in turn, are expected this coming week.
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