Battle for the "Turkish Messi": Top Clubs, Including Barcelona, Eyeing Arda Gul

 Battle for the "Turkish Messi": Top Clubs, Including Barcelona, Eyeing Arda Gul

Turkish Messi Arda Gul(Getty)

Even though he is a left-footed attacking midfielder, he can also play as a right winger. He can quickly penetrate the opponent's box with the ball and create goal-scoring opportunities from long range. He is also capable of delivering accurate passes as an attacking third player.

According to the football statistics website "WhoScored," he is an exceptional creative player whose skill and technique are extraordinary. Local media refer to him as the "Turkish Messi." Who wouldn't want such a player on their team?

Before introducing him, it should be mentioned that his real name is Arda Gul. This 18-year-old talent from Turkey plays for the renowned club Fenerebahçe to gain popularity.

He was crowned as a national team member last November. Just a couple of weeks ago, he scored a fantastic goal from outside the box against Wales in the Euro qualifiers. Since that goal, he has attracted even more attention. Several top clubs have shown interest in signing this promising young player during the transfer season.

A few days ago, rumors circulated that there could be a "battle" between Real Madrid and Barcelona to secure his services. The president of Barcelona himself admitted, "All the top European clubs want him." Arsenal is also in the race to sign him. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Newcastle are also interested. However, there is an obstacle here as Mesut Ozil, the former star of Arsenal, has already moved to Fenerbahçe. Ozil has urged him to join Arsenal.

Many people might consider Özil's move as natural. Everyone knows about his decline in relation to the German World Cup-winning former footballer and his time at the London club from 2013 to 2021, where he was once regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. However, due to injuries, loss of form, and his role in the mascot controversy, Özil's career took a downturn, and he left the team in 2020 due to various reasons, including wanting to receive the salary he demanded. He had to spend his last days on the bench as a Gunner. After the expiration of his contract, he joined the Turkish club Fenerbahçe. He considered it a pilgrimage to join them as well. They also regarded him as one of their idols.

However, it is not because of the decline in his relationship with Arsenal that Özil chose to go to Fenerbahçe, but for other reasons. According to the Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, Özil has expressed a desire to go to not only Arsenal but also Barcelona. In fact, Fenerbahçe has advised him against going to any other club. Özil believes that playing for a club in his country will further contribute to his mental development and personal growth. Therefore, it is advisable not to show interest in other clubs this time, and leaving Fenerbahçe after some time will benefit them. He has a contract with the club until June 2025. So, if he performs well in the 2023-24 season, Fenerbahçe can sell him at a higher price.

However, the way Barcelona is interested in him is reminiscent of a "stray cat," so they might consider seeing him in the Spanish club in the upcoming season. Barcelona's CEO, Joan Laporta, has already had direct discussions about Özil's situation with Fenerbahçe. Who knows, even if they can't bring back the real Messi, they might just succeed in bringing the "Turkish Messi" to Barcelona!