Any hopes Arsenal once had of prising Arda Güler away from Real Madrid have officially faded, with the Turkish starlet now flourishing in the Spanish capital under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal’s fleeting interest

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners had explored the idea of moving for Güler in the summer of 2025 — but only under very specific conditions.

The plan hinged on Carlo Ancelotti remaining at Madrid and the club being willing to sanction an exit for the young midfielder.

Neither of those scenarios played out. Ancelotti departed, Alonso arrived, and Güler was handed a fresh chance to impress at the Bernabéu.

A perfect fit for Alonso’s Madrid

The 20-year-old has grasped that opportunity with both hands. Injuries to Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham initially opened the door for him to start, but his performances have been so convincing that Alonso now views him as a key player rather than a stopgap.

Güler has started all three of Madrid’s league fixtures this season, alternating between Bellingham’s advanced midfield role and a more withdrawn attacking position.

His tactical versatility and technical quality have quickly made him integral to Alonso’s blueprint.

From prospect to cornerstone

Insiders close to the club stress how deeply Güler is committed to Madrid. “Arda LOVES Real Madrid,” they insist — and it shows in his maturity and willingness to adapt.

What looked like a peripheral role under Ancelotti has transformed into a pivotal one, with the young Turk proving he can deliver consistency alongside creativity.

With Alonso’s trust and a bigger stage to shine on, Güler is no longer simply a promising talent for the future.

He is carving out a place as a cornerstone of Madrid’s present, ensuring that talk of a transfer — to Arsenal or anywhere else — is firmly in the past.