Real Madrid News
€18m prodigy dreams of Real Madrid, but wants to join a team where he plays regularly
After reports came out on Wednesday claiming that Real Madrid are interested in Fenerbahce prodigy Arda Guler, MARCA has now come out with a fresh update confirming that the Merengues are indeed following the 18-year-old wonderkid.
Guler has been one of the breakout stars in Turkey, having enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign, finishing with six goals and seven assists from 35 appearances in all competitions.
Naturally, he has been attracting interest from several top clubs including the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan. And now, Real Madrid too have emerged as a suitor for the Turkish international with four caps.
If Guler does join the Merengues, the plan would be for him to spend some time with the club’s Castilla outfit before becoming a part of the first-team setup.
However, that is something that not might appeal to the teenage wonderkid.
Indeed, according to Turkish journalist Volkan Demir, while Guler dreams about joining Real Madrid at some time, at this point in his career the youngster wishes to join a club where he can play regularly at the senior level.
Real Madrid have made it a habit to recruit top young talents from across the globe. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, and more recently Endrick and Jude Bellingham have ended up signing for the Spanish capital giants.
However, Guler might not follow the same path as he wishes to continue playing regularly. But he does dream about Real Madrid as the next big step in his career.
So, it appears that Real Madrid’s pursuit of the teenage prospect, who has a release clause worth around €18 million, might not yield the desired result this summer.
As Carlo Ancelotti nears the expiry of his contract at Real Madrid, the search for a potential successor for the Italian tactician is starting to heat up.
The 64-year-old manager has been coy on his future, although reports suggest that he would be open to signing a new deal if offered.
At the same time, though, he is said to be taking over the reins of the Brazilian national team starting from the Copa America next summer.
Amidst this, several names have been linked with the managerial hotseat at Real Madrid for 2024.
Zinedine Zidane a possible candidate
And now, a report from France Bleu, there is a possibility that former manager and club legend Zinedine Zidane could return to Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti.
The iconic former midfielder has already had two stints as the manager of the Merengues, tasting great success in each of his spells.
Zidane stepped away from the role in 2021 due to some issues with the club hierarchy, although the relationship is understood to have been mended by now.
The former French international has already turned down approaches from the likes of Saudi Arabia and Brazil while he has also rejected a chance to coach Olympique Marseille.
Zidane would be open to managing Marseille if there is a change in ownership at the club, but at the same time, his return to Real Madrid is also a possibility.
Xabi Alonso the favourite
Despite there being a chance of Zidane returning, the report adds that at the moment it is another former Real Madrid midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who is the favourite to replace Ancelotti.
The current Bayer Leverkusen boss has done exceptionally well at the Bundesliga club over the past ten months or so, and has seemingly made a big impression on the Madrid hierarchy.
As such, Alonso continues to be the frontrunner for the managerial position at the Santiago Bernabeu should Ancelotti step down.
There are other interesting names in the mix as well, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi, although it appears like a long shot at this moment.
