Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes that Arda Guler is perfect for his team at Anfield, according to a report, but recent comments in the Real Madrid media should serve as a warning to Reds sporting director Richard Hughes.<\/p>\n
Guler<\/a> joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 for a total of \u20ac30million (\u00a326.2m, $35.1m), including performance-based add-ons, but it is only this season under former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso that the Turkey international playmaker is starting to flourish at the Santiago Bernabeu.<\/p>\n According to CaughtOffSide<\/a>, Liverpool are among the clubs that have taken a shine to Guler, who has played as a right winger and attacking midfielder for Madrid so far this season, scoring three goals and giving seven assists in 22 matches in all competitions.<\/p>\n Although there is interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, too, it is Liverpool<\/a> who are \u2018the most active\u2019 club for Guler, with manager Arne Slot viewing the \u2018Turkish Messi\u2019 as \u2018a perfect fit\u2019.<\/p>\n Guler\u2019s \u2018versatility, able to play as a right winger, attacking midfielder, or central creator, makes him an ideal candidate for Liverpool\u2019s evolving system\u2019, according to the report.<\/p>\n CaughtOffSide added: \u2018Slot is believed to be a fan of his directness and vision in tight spaces, seeing him as a potential long-term replacement in the frontline.\u2019<\/p>\n Liverpool have been monitoring Guler closely this season, with the defending Premier League champions\u2019 scouts \u2018impressed by his balance between flair and tactical discipline\u2019.<\/p>\n Guler had injury problems in his previous two seasons, with competition for a place in midfield under then-manager Carlo Ancelotti also a mitigating factor.<\/p>\n The 20-year-old is under contract at Real Madrid<\/a> until the summer of 2029, and there are no indications yet from the Spanish and European giants that they will be open to an exit for the youngster anytime soon.<\/p>\n READ NEXT\u00a0<\/strong>\ud83d\udd34\u00a0 Steven Gerrard gives one-word verdict on Rodrygo amid Liverpool \u2018talks\u2019 as Real Madrid media call him \u2018unstoppable\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Liverpool sent Arda Guler warning<\/strong><\/p>\n There is no doubt that Guler is brilliant on the ball and has great vision, with former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil a huge fan.<\/p>\n The former Germany international star\u00a0Marca\u00a0in June 2023: \u201cIs there a number 10 better than me?<\/p>\n \u201cI can think of a name, I have a brother that I believe in him, may God protect him \u2013 his name is Arda G\u00fcler.\u201d<\/p>\n In February 2025, Ozil told\u00a0TRT Spor: \u201cI see a lot of myself in Arda Guler. We need to do more to protect talents like him.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the Real Madrid media\u2019s verdict on Guler\u2019s performances and attributes will come as a warning to Liverpool.<\/p>\n The Premier League is a very physical league, and players have to be very good with the ball and without it.<\/p>\n While Guler is great on the eye and his on-pitch relationship with Kylian Mbappe earlier in the season was a joy to behold, off the ball, the 20-year-old needs to improve a lot.<\/p>\n On December 1, influential AS journalist and Real Madrid fan Tomas Roncero told Cadena SER<\/a> after Madrid\u2019s 1-1 draw with Girona in LaLiga: \u201cAnd Guler is melting away like a sugar cube; as soon as it\u2019s a physical match, he shows a couple of flashes of brilliance and then disappears.\u201d<\/p>\n Former Madrid centre-back Rafael Alkorta has also been critical of Guler, whose recent performances for Los Blancos have been underwhelming.<\/p>\n Alkorta told Cadena SER earlier this month: \u201cThey\u2019re trying to make him not a player like he was in Turkey, playing much closer to the penalty area, but rather someone who starts the play from the beginning.<\/p>\n \u201cThat means that without the ball, you\u2019re a midfielder. You have to tackle, win the ball back, jump for headers, and cover ground and all that.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still struggling with it, although I think he has the best final pass and obviously has superior quality to some of his teammates.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he plays a really good pass to Mbappe, obviously fantastic, but I think they\u2019re asking more of him, and I don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll be able to deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest Liverpool transfer news: Guehi decision, Mo Salah controversy update<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, TEAMtalk has been told about the make-or-break decision that Liverpool have over Marc Gueh<\/a>i, who is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season.<\/p>\n Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has revealed whether or not Mohamed Salah has apologised for his outburst against Liverpool<\/a> and manager Arne Slot.<\/p>\n