Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has agreed terms on a new contract that will tie him to the Spanish giants until 2031, according to reports.

Guler originally signed a contract until 2029, when he moved to Real Madrid.

The new terms are intended to recognise Guler’s growing importance to the first team rather than the status he had when he first arrived in Spain.

According to AS, the new agreement is already complete and is expected to take effect from the beginning of the current season.

Mourinho’s plans for Guler

Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid has also helped clarify Guler’s role within the team.

The Portuguese manager views him as an attacking midfielder rather than a central midfielder.

That could provide Guler with a clearer path into the starting XI, given the competition for central midfield places from players including Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Madrid were initially forced to be patient with Guler as he adapted to the demands of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

His situation is now very different, with the club viewing him as an increasingly important part of their first-team plans.