In an unexpected twist that has shaken up the transfer market, four of England’s most powerful clubs—Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal—have emerged with a combined bid of $200 million to secure Arda Güler, the young Turkish talent from Real Madrid, considered by many to be the best young player in the world. This news, published on May 30, 2025, has created a storm in the football world, with Real Madrid and their new manager, Xabi Alonso, responding quickly to clarify the future of the 20-year-old midfielder, whose potential seems limitless. The battle for Güler not only involves astronomical figures, but also reflects the growing power of the Premier League and Real Madrid’s determination to retain their star player.
Arda Güler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023 for €20 million plus €10 million in add-ons, has proven to be one of the most promising players in world football. Despite an injury-plagued start and a lack of playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, Güler has excelled at every opportunity, especially in the 2024/2025 season, where he scored five goals and provided eight assists in 41 matches. His stunning goal against Getafe and his outstanding performance for Turkey at the European Championship have boosted his market value, with a market value now around €40 million, according to Transfermarkt. However, English clubs are willing to pay five times that amount, seeing in Güler a generational talent capable of leading their sporting projects.
Real Madrid’s reaction was swift. Sources close to the club, as reported by OKDIARIO, confirmed that Xabi Alonso, who took over as Real Madrid coach following Ancelotti’s departure, has made Güler a key player in his vision for the future. Alonso, known for his ability to nurture young talent at Bayer Leverkusen, had shown interest in Güler even before his arrival at Real Madrid. In a recent statement, the Basque coach was emphatic: “Arda is staying. He is a player with a unique talent, and here in Madrid he has everything to become a legend.” This stance reflects the club’s confidence in the Turk, who has purchased a house in the Spanish capital, a sign of his long-term commitment to the team.
English clubs, however, are not willing to give up easily. According to British press reports, the four Premier League giants see Güler as a creative midfielder who could transform their respective projects. Liverpool, under their new manager, believes Güler would fit perfectly into their high-pressing system. Manchester United, with Rúben Amorim at the helm, is looking for a midfield leader after an inconsistent season. Chelsea and Arsenal, meanwhile, see the Turkish player as a long-term investment, comparable to the signings of Bellingham or Mbappé in previous years. The $200 million offer, although collective, reflects the urgency of these clubs to keep up with the race for talent.
On social media, the news has sparked a wave of reactions. Real Madrid fans have flooded X with messages of support for Güler, with hashtags like #ArdaSeQueda trending worldwide. One user wrote: “200 million and I still wouldn’t sell him! Güler is the future of Madrid.” Meanwhile, English fans have begun to speculate about how the Turk would fit into their teams, with some comparing him to Mesut Özil in his prime. The German press has also mentioned interest from Bayer Leverkusen, but with Alonso now in Madrid, that possibility seems ruled out.
Güler’s future is not just a question of money, but also of sporting ambition. With a contract until 2029, Real Madrid holds the upper hand, but pressure from English clubs and the lure of the Premier League could test the player’s resolve. For now, Xabi Alonso appears to have the final say, and his plan is clear: to build a team around talents like Güler, Bellingham, and Vinícius. As the transfer market heats up, the football world eagerly awaits the next move in this saga that promises to redefine the European football landscape.
