Spurs handed potential boost for transfer target

In the summer, it was reported by Spanish media outlet Okdiario that Tottenham Hotspur were interested in Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler, amongst other sides – but nothing came of that interest.

However, there has been a positive development since then. With the teenager struggling for minutes in his second season in the Spanish capital. Experienced Turkish coach Mustafa Denizli has given an update on Guler’s morale at Real Madrid.

Coach admits that Arda Guler is not happy with his situation

Speaking to HT Spor (via The Express) after Turkey’s goalless draw with Wales at the weekend, Denizli said: “Arda has shown rustiness in his performance [vs Wales]. That’s natural. Arda no longer comes back from Real Madrid with [as] high morale as he used to. He is not experiencing psychological happiness there.

We know that he has had few minutes and few opportunities, but his rivals in the dressing room have increased their performances.

It doesn’t matter. In terms of score and results, it’s worse. The team’s performance has dropped. When the team’s performance was higher, he played more; when the team is doing worse, he gets less playing time, and that has a significant negative impact.”

There is no doubt that the midfielder is extremely talented. In just 373 minutes of action last season, Guler racked up six goals for Real Madrid. After a very bright Euros, where he scored goal of the tournament vs Georgia, and provided an assist vs the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, he was expected to get more minutes this season.

Last season, Guler was injured for large periods of the season, particularly before Christmas, so his lack of minutes was more understandable. However this season, he has not been injured – and has continued to get few minutes, despite having a year of experience and a major tournament under his belt now.

It has particularly been documented due to Real Madrid’s struggles this year. With Toni Kroos now retired, the lack of creativity in the side has been long discussed – with Guler seen as someone who could help give the side some creativity.

As it is, he is not getting that game time. The 19-year old has played just 313 minutes of football for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season – whilst racking up 527 minutes for Turkey – a real damning indictment of his lack of football at club level.

The potential fit at Spurs would be interesting. Guler is a left footed, creative midfielder. Whilst Ange’s side can do with as much creativity they can get, Dejan Kulusevski has been the best performing player so far this season. Could they co-exist in the same midfield?

Regardless, this one is certainly one to keep a look out for, particularly if his situation doesn’t change anytime soon.