Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly eyeing a loan move for Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler.
The 19-year-old arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Fenerbahce last summer and endured a challenging 2023-24 campaign, as he struggled with injuries and faced stern competition from senior stars for regular starts.
Guler was subsequently reduced to just 12 first-team appearances across all competitions, including five starts, but the versatile attacker was able to show glimpses of his talent in the famous white jersey of Real Madrid when called upon.
Indeed, Guler scored six goals in 10 La Liga outings, netting five times in Los Blancos' final six top-flight fixtures of the season, including a brace in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Villarreal in May.
The teenager then played a starring role on the continental stage with Turkey at Euro 2024, scoring one of the goals of the tournament in a group-stage win over Georgia before registering two assists in the knockout rounds as the Crescent-Stars progressed to the quarter-finals.
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Guler has since been included in Real Madrid's pre-season squad for their tour of the United States, with their first friendly of the summer against AC Milan scheduled for August 1.
The attacker will be keen to impress during pre-season as he pushes to earn regular game time for reigning La Liga and Champions League winners Real Madrid in the 2024-25 campaign.
That could prove challenging, though, as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz are among the attacking stars at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal along with new recruits Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.
Guler is therefore at risk of falling down the pecking order at Real Madrid and it appears that an opportunity to gain regular first-team football away from the club on a temporary basis has been presented to the youngster.
According to Sport, as quoted by The Mirror, Leverkusen boss Alonso has a keen interest in obtaining the services of the highly-rated youngster this summer.
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Ancelotti to block Guler exit amid Leverkusen interest?
The report adds that Bundesliga champions Leverkusen could face stern competition for Guler's signature from AC Milan, who expressed an interest in the Turkish star in January.
It is thought that Real Madrid could be tempted to loan out Guler for the new season, but Ancelotti has previously insisted that he is planning to keep the attacker.
Speaking to reporters in April about Guler, Ancelotti said: "Arda is going to be a very important player for us in the future and there is no doubt that he will stay here next year.
"He is very young, and little by little he will learn what his role is in this team. He has scored more goals than he has played. That's the gift he has."
Real Madrid forked out around €20m to sign Guler just 12 months ago, with the youngster penning a long-term contract until the summer of 2029.
Oliver Thomas
