Arda Guler: Premier League director confirms interest in Real Madrid star

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has admitted his interest in signing Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler.

Guler has struggled for minutes since his move to Madrid in 2023 and has started just six La Liga games this season - a fact which sparked a taunt from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai during the international break.

Rumours of a possible exit for the 20-year-old are common but Guler recently reaffirmed his commitment to Madrid, insisting he remains determined to do what it takes to make the breakthrough at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Nevertheless, Guler could soon be forced into a decision on his future if game time remains limited, and Monchi has now suggested Villa could be close to the front of the queue for his signature.

"I know him well because he's a player whose career in Turkiye was followed by every sporting director," Monchi told MARCA. "He's a player who met a number of requirements and could be attractive to Aston Villa because we were looking for that position.

"It's not the same position as Marco Asensio, but we're more or less looking for that profile between the lines who can play as a 10 and who can even play on the outside while coming in.

"Personally, I think he's a player with very good technical skills, and I also think he has personality; he shows it when he plays for the national team. There, he takes on roles that aren't associated with his age."

Villa are expected to sign Asensio, formerly of Madrid, when his loan from Paris Saint-Germain ends this summer, but remain on the hunt for attacking reinforcements and could test Guler's resolve when the transfer window opens.

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