Chelsea are reportedly considering a €100 million January move for Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler after Jose Mourinho insisted that no player is guaranteed a starting place at the Spanish club.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from Stamford Bridge as he competes for regular minutes in a crowded Real Madrid midfield. Chelsea’s recruitment team are understood to view Guler as a generational talent capable of transforming their attacking options.
Jose Mourinho addresses Arda Guler’s substitution
Mourinho’s comments came after he withdrew Guler during the second half of a hard-fought match, having judged that Real Madrid were losing control of the contest.
Asked whether the Turkish playmaker had become indispensable in the starting line-up, Mourinho said: “No, no one is untouchable. When I made the changes, it was exactly because we were losing control. Arda, who played in that number 10 position, was also dropping his intensity.”
The Portuguese manager indicated that changes would continue to be made on a game-by-game basis, with Guler competing for places in a midfield that also includes Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz.
That stance is understood to have encouraged Chelsea, who have been monitoring Guler’s situation closely. The London club reportedly believe the competition for opportunities in Madrid could create an opening during the winter transfer window.
Arsenal have also previously been linked with the player, although Chelsea are now reported to be in the stronger position. Their executives are said to be preparing an ambitious offer as they assess whether Real Madrid could be persuaded to sell.
Mourinho’s assertion that reputation will not protect any player from being dropped has therefore added to speculation over Guler’s future, with Chelsea considering whether to test the Spanish club’s resolve with a €100 million bid in January.
