Oil-rich Newcastle in talks to sign 'Turkish Messi' in £20m deal

Fenerbahce attacking midfielder Arda Guler is attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs with Arsenal,  Barcelona, Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund all monitoring his situation in Turkey but according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are in pole position.

Officials from Newcastle met with Guler and his representatives in Dubai last week and Fotomac reports that the Magpies are willing to pay £20m.

In 46 appearances for the Turkish giants since his debut in 2021, the 18-year-old has scored nine goals and contributed nine assists. His style of play earned him the nickname ‘Turkish Messi’.

With two years remaining on his current contract, Guler is said to be undecided on whether to pursue a move elsewhere or stay put. Talks over his future are ongoing but a decision won’t be made until the 2022-23 campaign is over.

Fenerbahce want Guler to stay but Erol Tokgozler, who previously coached Guler, has tipped him to leave Turkey in the near future.

“I don’t think Arda will stay in Turkey too long,” Tokgozler told CNN Turk in March. “I know that there are offers from some really big clubs and we will see what happens at the end of the season"