Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has identified Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler as a priority target and urged the club's ownership to sanction a move, according to a report by TEAMtalk. The Stamford Bridge club are reportedly willing to offer a package close to £100 million to sign the 21-year-old. However, Chelsea face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, who are also monitoring the Turkish international's situation.
Tactical fit and the Enzo Fernández contingency
Alonso knows Güler’s capabilities intimately from their time together at the Santiago Bernabéu. Under Alonso's guidance, Güler established himself in Spain, registering 20 goal contributions in 51 appearances across all competitions. TEAMtalk reports that Alonso has advised the Chelsea hierarchy to target Güler, alongside Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, should the club be forced to sell midfielder Enzo Fernández. The Spanish coach views Güler as a creative focal point capable of easing the creative burden on Cole Palmer. Speaking previously about his relationship with Alonso, Güler recalled: "When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it’s very hard not to be convinced. He knows exactly what you’re capable of."
Madrid’s resistance and Güler's Bernabéu status
Securing Güler will require overcoming substantial resistance from Real Madrid. The midfielder is under contract in Spain until the summer of 2029, and Bernabéu officials remain reluctant to sanction a sale, viewing him as a cornerstone of their long-term project. Nonetheless, Güler's role has fluctuated under current manager José Mourinho. Despite earning Man of the Match honours after creating seven key chances against Real Betis, Güler has been subjected to early substitutions, including a premature withdrawal against Espanyol. These decisions have sparked debate in Spain, as detailed by Goal.com, potentially giving Chelsea a window of opportunity to test Madrid's resolve with a substantial bid next summer.
