Arda Güler Transfer News: Nuri Şahin’s Confession, €120M Offer, Arsenal Interest, and English Clubs’ Pursuit – Latest Updates

Nuri Şahin, the head coach of Başakşehir, has revealed for the first time that during his tenure as head coach of Borussia Dortmund, he made a transfer offer to Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler years ago.

Şahin shared the details during an appearance on the KAFA Sports YouTube channel, explaining his strong interest in bringing the Turkish international to Dortmund when Güler was struggling to secure regular playing time at Real Madrid.

“I wanted Arda very much for Dortmund,” Şahin said. “At that time, he told me, ‘Coach, no matter what happens, I am going to earn this jersey.’ This impressed me deeply. I told him, ‘May your path be clear, I will always support you.’ And that’s exactly what happened—he won the jersey.”

The revelation comes amid ongoing interest in Güler from several top European clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been linked with potential moves for the 20-year-old midfielder as he continues to seek more consistent playing opportunities at Real Madrid.

Güler, a product of Fenerbahçe’s youth academy, joined Real Madrid in 2021 and has since been involved in transfer speculation due to limited minutes under Carlo Ancelotti. His technical ability and vision have drawn praise from coaches and analysts across Europe, with many viewing him as a long-term asset for any top-tier club.

While Güler has remained at Real Madrid, his recent comments to Şahin reflect a determined mindset focused on earning his place through performance rather than seeking immediate transfers—a stance that aligns with the player’s public emphasis on perseverance and professional growth.

Şahin also used the opportunity to reflect on broader themes in football management, emphasizing the intelligence of modern players and the importance of trust between coach and athlete.

“If you don’t believe, the players won’t believe. There is a common stereotype out there that ‘footballers aren’t very smart.’ On the contrary, footballers are so sharp. they can ‘smell’ the truth immediately,” Şahin stated, highlighting his approach to player communication and motivation.

He further illustrated this point by referencing hypothetical scenarios involving club leadership, noting that a lack of transparency from management would immediately be sensed by players and undermine trust in the coaching staff.

The coach also shared insights into team culture at Başakşehir, describing unique matchday rituals that have become part of the club’s identity, including the tradition of ordering exactly 13 dürüm wraps before every home match—a practice the team associates with their recent winning streaks.

“We always order exactly 13 dürüms. For a while, we were winning every game, and we had linked it to that—we felt we couldn’t win without eating those dürüms,” Şahin explained, shedding light on the psychological and superstitious elements that can influence team dynamics in professional football.

As Güler continues his development at Real Madrid, the interest from clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and others remains active, though no formal bids have been confirmed. His decision to stay and fight for playing time, as recalled by Şahin, underscores a professional attitude focused on long-term growth rather than short-term moves.