Arsenal and Newcastle United are scouting Arda Guler and Premier League legend Jay-Jay Okocha believes a move away from Fenerbahce will help the Turkey starlet become a ‘world star’.
Of course, the phrase ‘too much too soon’ often comes to mind when discussing the future of a fresh-faced teenager linked with some of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Guler only turned 18 in February. He hasn’t even made 30 Super Lig appearances yet. But the mere fact that Guler has already been capped by Turkey – while inheriting the ‘number ten’ shirt from Mesut Ozil at one of the nation’s biggest clubs – is a pretty big sign that this is no ordinary teenager.
“I watched two matches of Arda Guler. He’s an excellent player. He will get much better,” Okocha, one of the 21st century’s most iconic playmakers, tells Hurriyet.
“He needs to work hard to become a legend and a hero.
“I can give him this advice; You will also immediately forget every match you played. Every match is a new challenge. He has many years ahead of him.”
Arsenal and Newcastle United are scouting Fenerbahce’s Arda Guler
Okocha is best remembered for a scintillating career at Bolton Wanderers. The Nigerian legend enjoyed a spell at Fenerbahce too, however, taking his game to another level when leaving Turkey for Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.
Okocha knows from experience just how beneficial a move to one of Europe’s major leagues can be for a young player with talent as big as their ambition. Guler is unlikely to be short of offers either; Arsenal and Newcastle United among those who have sent scouts to Istanbul of late, per Turkish Football.
“If he goes abroad,” Okocha adds. “He will take a step towards becoming a world star by taking part in a different environment there.”
Fenerbahce reportedly value Guler at around £17 million.
There is, however, a release clause in the playmaker’s contract. One that means he can leave Fenerbahce for as little as £4 million. Providing that he plays fewer than 1,500 minutes this season.
So far, Guler is on just 872, and time is running out.
