Guler set to extend Real Madrid stay as Merino reveals squad's secret title meeting

Arda Guler is on the verge of signing a two-year contract extension at Real Madrid, according to reports, dealing a blow to Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Turkish attacker. The 20-year-old’s current deal runs until 2029, meaning a new agreement would keep him at the Bernabeu until 2031.

Guler had previously been linked with a move to the Emirates amid concerns over his playing time, but those doubts have faded sharply this season. He has contributed one goal and five assists in nine appearances, including two assists in Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Roma on Wednesday. That form appears to have convinced the club to tie him down further.

For Arsenal, the development closes what was already a narrow window. The Gunners are well-stocked on the right flank, where Guler predominantly operates — Bukayo Saka looks set to hold that position for years to come. The more pressing question for Mikel Arteta’s squad planners is the No. 10 role, where Martin Odegaard has been the key figure but has battled injury in previous campaigns. Guler’s versatility had made him an attractive option for that position, but a contract extending to 2031 makes any approach effectively unfeasible.

Guler’s renewal is understood to be a reward for establishing himself in Real’s starting XI, a process that began under Xabi Alonso and has continued under Jose Mourinho, who is said to be keen on keeping the Turkey international at the club.

Elsewhere, midfielder Mikel Merino has revealed the details of a private squad meeting that played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last season. Merino, who missed a significant portion of the campaign through injury, has described how players gathered without coaching staff to address the team’s direction at a critical point in the run-in.

The Spaniard joined Arsenal last summer and, despite his injury absence, contributed to key moments during the title-winning campaign. His account of the internal meeting sheds light on the collective resolve within Arteta’s squad that underpinned their historic success.

Arsenal now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Nottingham Forest as they look to maintain pressure in the title race. The Gunners have made a strong start to their bid for back-to-back championships, though Manchester City currently lead the standings.