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Football London
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Luke Thrower

Mesut Ozil warns 'Turkish Messi' against Arsenal transfer amid summer battle with Barcelona

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has "warned" Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler against making a move in the summer transfer window. It comes as the Gunners join a whole host of European sides in monitoring a chase for the 18-year-old forward, who has been labelled with plenty of promise.

Guler had a breakout season in the past year, making 35 appearances across all competitions with 13 goal involvements to his name too. Last November saw the youngster handed a debut for the Turkish national team, where he now has four caps and six squad involvements.

Such is the promise of the forward, he has been likened to former Barcelona and PSG star Lionel Messi, with nicknames such as the "next Lionel Messi" and the "Turkish Lionel Messi". It's a huge weight to carry and whether that will allow him to thrive under the pressure or if that will be a burden remains to be seen.

However, the similarities don't just come from the ceiling of his potential that he could reach, but also his playing style that is predominantly around ball control and dribbling. It has led to plenty of teams following a potential switch in the summer window, with Guler having just two-years remaining on his contract.

Arsenal are among those teams claimed to be in the race, with Premier League rivals Newcastle also touted as a potential suitor. There's also challengers abroad as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move, with the president of the former side claiming that talks have already opened.

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However, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Ozil has advised Guler to stay another year in Turkey. The playmaker, who recently retired from professional football, is claimed to have told the youngster that a move next summer would be the better option.

It remains to be seen whether that will influence the decision of Guler in the coming transfer window, with the option to move becoming a concrete opportunity in the next few weeks.

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