Mourinho’s blunt take on Guler fuels Chelsea’s €100m winter push
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said after a hard‑fought clash that Turkish midfielder Arda Guler is not untouchable, a comment that arrives as Chelsea prepare a potential €100 million winter bid for the 21‑year‑old playmaker, following his substitution midway through the second half and a tactical assessment of the team's control.
Mourinho’s tactical verdict
José Mourinho said via Fabrizio Romano, “No, no one is untouchable.” He added that his changes were made because the side was losing control. He noted that Arda, who occupied the number 10 role, was also dropping his intensity.
The comment came after a hard‑fought match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. Guler started in the number 10 position but was substituted midway through the second half. The substitution underlined Mourinho’s willingness to rotate despite the player’s reputation.
Mourinho stressed that rotational changes will continue game by game as he manages a stacked midfield featuring Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Brahim Díaz. He implied that even high‑profile players must earn minutes.
Chelsea’s winter ambition
Chelsea executives are reportedly preparing an ambitious €100 million January move for the 21‑year‑old Turkish midfielder. They view him as a generational talent who could instantly transform their attacking dynamic at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal and Chelsea lead race for France defender Jules Kounde
The Blues have been monitoring Guler’s situation closely as he faces intense competition for regular minutes in the Spanish capital. The presence of Bellingham, Vinícius and Díaz means Guler must fight for a starting spot.
Arsenal were previously linked with the player, but Chelsea now appear to be in the front seat of the race. Their interest has been described as a fresh boost for long‑term admirers of the Turkish playmaker.
Mourinho’s admission that no player is untouchable gives Chelsea’s recruitment team a perceived opening to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a record‑breaking bid in the winter window.
The former Chelsea boss’s blunt assessment has been welcomed by supporters who see the comment as a potential catalyst for the €100 million pursuit of Arda Güler.