Barcelona open talks to complete 'next Lionel Messi' transfer ahead of Arsenal

Arsenal transfer news: Arsenal have been linked with a move for Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler, who has been dubbed the "next Lionel Messi" but Barcelona are now in the market

The 18-year-old is attracting interest from the top clubs in Europe during the transfer window, having established himself in the first-team in the past season. 

Guler racked up 35 appearances across all competitions last season, including nine matches in the Europa League and one in Champions League qualification.

Such has been the youngster's impressive start to his career, a debut was handed to the forward in the international setup with Turkey. With four caps to his name, along with a run in the Under-21s European Championships over the summer, there's plenty of hype surrounding his future.

Some have even likened Guler to former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, with his ability on the ball creating some similarity between their playing style. The hype has landed several nicknames, such as the "next Lionel Messi" or the "Turkish Lionel Messi", with teams following a switch.

Arsenal are one of those, with reports claiming that the Gunners are ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race for the forward. However, the presence of Barcelona and Real Madrid adds another dimension to the chase, with Barca president Laporta claiming talks have already opened with Fenerbahce this summer.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "We are talking to Fenerbahçe for Arda Güler. All the top European clubs want him. Arda is a very young Turkish player and it’s is true that our scouting department has been following him for a long time."

Meanwhile, according to Gerard Romero, Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to land the youngster ahead of their rivals in the window. 

It remains to be seen whether that is true and the Catalonian outfit will win the race for Guler, given their recent struggles in the transfer market and with their finances.

With Arsenal's desire to win the top trophies and develop talent for the future, the 18-year-old could be the ideal signing to make this summer.