Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his YouTube channel that Arsenal internally discussed the possibility of signing Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, but the move never came close to materialising.

Interest tied to uncertain circumstances

Before Andrea Berta was confirmed as Arsenal’s new sporting director, the club explored whether there might be an opportunity to prise Güler away from the Bernabéu.

However, any potential pursuit was always dependent on a number of factors, including:

• Whether Carlo Ancelotti would remain as Real Madrid’s head coach
• Whether Madrid themselves would sanction a departure
• How Güler’s role in the first team developed

Xabi Alonso’s arrival changes everything

With Xabi Alonso replacing Ancelotti and Güler emerging as a starter under the new regime, Arsenal’s hopes quickly faded.

Romano confirmed that Arsenal never even opened negotiations with Madrid, with their considerations remaining at an internal stage only.

Güler has started all three of Real Madrid’s opening league fixtures this season, registering one goal and one assist, while Madrid have won each of those games. His growing influence makes an exit highly unlikely.

Arsenal’s history with Madrid midfielders

The Gunners have a positive track record of recruiting from Madrid in recent years.

Mesut Özil and Martin Ødegaard both became central figures after leaving Spain for north London, while Dani Ceballos enjoyed mixed loan spells that cost Arsenal little financially.

The idea of making Güler the next in that line was appealing to Arsenal, but given his role in Alonso’s plans, such a transfer is no longer realistic.