Xavi Simons could be set for a positional rethink if Tottenham Hotspur succeed in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Arda Guler.
The north London club remain strongly interested in the 20-year-old Turkish playmaker, whose standing at the Santiago Bernabeu appears increasingly uncertain under Xabi Alonso. Despite a bright start to the 2025–26 campaign, in which he has contributed three goals and four assists across ten appearances, Guler has struggled to cement a consistent starting berth in his favoured central attacking midfield role.
Alonso’s tactical flexibility has been both a blessing and a curse for the youngster. The Real Madrid manager has alternated between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2 system, which has occasionally forced Guler to operate from wider or deeper positions, limiting his influence in central areas. Matters could grow even more complicated with Jude Bellingham nearing a return from injury. Given that established midfielders like Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are rarely rotated, Guler’s involvement in major fixtures will be crucial to determining his long-term place in Madrid’s project.
Interest in the highly rated midfielder remains strong across Europe. Newcastle United, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Tottenham, and Arsenal are all keeping tabs on his situation. However, Spanish outlet Grada reports that Tottenham stand out as the only club financially equipped to push through a deal should Madrid sanction his departure.
For Tottenham, the situation represents a calculated opportunity. Thomas Frank’s side currently sit second in the Premier League, boasting one of the best defensive records in the division. Yet, while Spurs have been organised and resilient, there is recognition within the club that additional creativity from midfield could elevate their attacking play. Guler’s profile aligns perfectly with Frank’s footballing philosophy, which prizes intelligent movement, swift transitions, and technical excellence in possession. The youngster’s passing range and tight control in confined spaces would give Spurs an extra dimension when facing compact defences.
Moreover, his addition would bring much-needed balance to a demanding season featuring the Premier League, domestic cups, and Europa League. At present, much of Tottenham’s creative responsibility rests on a handful of players, leaving the squad vulnerable to fatigue or injuries during the campaign’s second half. Guler’s arrival would allow Frank to rotate more effectively, ensuring fresher legs and greater consistency in performance.
Should Guler sign, his presence would likely trigger a reshuffle within Spurs’ attacking midfield setup. James Maddison remains the natural first choice in the central creative role, and his eventual return from injury will be central to Frank’s tactical plans. However, Guler’s adaptability would allow Maddison to occasionally operate in a deeper playmaking capacity, creating smoother transitions from midfield to attack and offering more control in possession phases.
For Xavi Simons, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, the potential signing of Guler could prompt a significant adjustment. Simons, like Guler, favours playing through the middle, where he can influence the tempo and connect the lines. Yet, with two technically gifted attacking midfielders vying for similar spaces, competition would intensify. This scenario could see Simons deployed in a slightly wider or more advanced role, demanding greater positional versatility from the young Dutchman.
The increased competition might serve as a positive challenge, pushing both players to raise their standards and ensuring that Tottenham’s creative output remains consistently high. However, it could also reduce Simons’ playing time if Frank opts for tactical stability. In either case, the arrival of Guler would almost certainly redefine Tottenham’s midfield dynamics, potentially setting the stage for a broader evolution in how the team approaches its attacking structure.
In essence, while Arda Guler’s uncertain future at Real Madrid may open the door for a Premier League switch, his arrival in north London would have ripple effects far beyond a simple transfer. It could reshape Tottenham’s creative hierarchy, alter squad competition, and test the adaptability of emerging stars like Xavi Simons — all while signalling that Spurs intend to compete at the very top level both domestically and in Europe.
