Liverpool receive unwanted transfer news as new Arda Guler plan is put in place

Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Madrid talent Arda Guler could prove to be unrealistic, with Los Blancos having no intention of selling the Turkish teenager.

The 19-year-old was one of the stars of Euro 2024, scoring a sensational winner as Turkey beat Georgia en route to progressing from the group stage.

The midfielder played 10 La Liga games last season, scoring six goals in his first campaign after joining from Fenerbahce. But Guler will have to be patient for his opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer pushing the youngster further up Carlo Ancelotti’s impressive list of attacking options.

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Estadio Deportivo reported last week that Liverpool are interested in exploring offers for both Guler and his Real team-mate Rodrygo, who also faces being left out of the XI due to Mbappé’s move to the Spanish capital.

However, HITC claim that Liverpool will only be able to sign Guler on loan, with Real president Florentino Perez unwilling to sanction the permanent sale of such a prodigious talent. To complicate matters further, Turkish football say Guler is happy to bide his time at Madrid rather than force a move this summer.

Signing a winger is among the top priorities for new Reds boss Arne Slot and returning CEO Michael Edwards during their first transfer window working together. With Mo Salah turning 32 earlier this month and being courted by clubs in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool must prepare for his departure.

That need was exacerbated by the indifferent form of forwards Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo last season, plus Diogo Jota’s injury record. New competition for Slot’s frontline places would be a welcome boost for the Dutchman as he races to build a squad that can compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.

But with Guler’s unwillingness to move, the Reds may have to move on to other targets. Rodrygo could be a more affordable option, although he will certainly demand a huge transfer fee after playing a big part in Real’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs last season.

Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, although French giants Paris Saint-Germain are in pole position to secure his signature.