Arsenal fans may be celebrating the addition of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer, but a bombshell report from Spain has uncovered a massive transfer oversight involving Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. This oversight pertains to a Real Madrid playmaker who is now skyrocketing in value under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.

Eberechi Eze, one of the premier attacking talents in the Premier League, joined Arsenal for a hefty €68 million ($93 million), securing his services over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. So far this season, Eze has already contributed an assist in his limited appearances.

The One That Got Away: Arda Güler

However, it seems Arsenal missed an even bigger opportunity with Turkish sensation Arda Güler. Reports surfaced in late July that Real Madrid had proposed a deal to Arsenal that included Güler in exchange for William Saliba, allowing the young talent to be loaned back to the Emirates for the 2025/26 season.

Madrid was even willing to offer defender Raul Asensio to sweeten the deal. Fabrizio Romano disclosed that Arsenal had been tracking Güler last season and were eyeing a bid for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder had Carlo Ancelotti remained as coach.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Güler has had a meteoric rise. Recent reports suggest that clubs are now ready to fork out €150 million for him by the summer of 2026. Despite this interest, Real Madrid is keen to keep Güler, as he relishes his time at Santiago Bernabéu.

Poor Timing and Missed Chances

Berta, who began his role at Arsenal in March 2025, was already aware of Güler's potential back in October 2024, raising questions about whether Arteta could have pushed for a loan deal during the January transfer window.

Since taking over, Alonso has made Güler a linchpin of the squad, especially highlighted during the recent FIFA Club World Cup where he scored and assisted in pivotal matches.

A Lesson in Transfer Strategy

Comparisons are being drawn between Güler's situation and Martin Ødegaard’s successful transition from Madrid to Arsenal. Ødegaard, who joined Arsenal initially as a loan and has now become one of Europe’s top midfielders, is a harbinger of what Güler could have achieved in North London.

Güler's performances in La Liga have already shown his potential, scoring two goals and providing one assist in just four games, helping Madrid secure victories.

Arsenal's Future Moves

As Arsenal gears up for the January transfer window, rumors suggest that Mikel Arteta may look to make some significant roster changes. With sport director Berta’s ambitions in play, it appears the club is poised for more action, especially following Real Madrid's recent updates on other talented players.