Arsenal keeping options open with Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi was one of Unai Emery’s first signings for a measly £7 million from Lorient. The thinking was he would go to a couple of clubs on loan before ever being ready to make his mark on the first team. However, he was an immediate hit under Unai Emery and quickly began showing he was good enough for the first team.

He brought a directness to our midfield. His ball carrying ability and vision made him show that the £7 million we paid for him was an absolute bargain. His role in our side even continued when Arteta came in. He was impressive in Arteta’s first couple of months, though after lockdown is where everything fell apart for him.

During our 2-1 defeat to Brighton, Guendouzi got himself into some hot water. In that game, Neil Maupay had seemingly intentionally fouled Bernd Leno which led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the German goalkeeper. 

Guendouzi’s hostile reaction to this incident and alleged comments he made in the aftermath about his earnings compared to Neil Maupay, revealed perhaps an attitude issue in Guendouzi which Arteta was not a fan of.

Quite controversially among some Arsenal fans, Guendouzi was later exiled. Arteta left him out of the squad for the rest of the season and sent him to Hertha Berlin on loan for the 2020/21 season. However, Guendouzi has really impressed at the German side and is proving to be something that Arsenal have been missing this season. As such, many Arsenal fans are praying that the Frenchman is still in Arteta’s plans and will be back with Arsenal long-term by next season. Well finally, there is an update in that regard.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal “appreciate the talent, they appreciate the player”. 

“They were thinking like he should be a starter, not just one of the midfielders. When a player comes back, lots of situations could change. Arsenal are open with Matteo”

It seems clear therefore, that Guendouzi’s chapter at Arsenal is not yet over, with the club open to affording him a second chance. I think this is a really wise call from Arsenal. He is still a player with a huge potential. It does seem like he has a big ego, but some of the best players have an ego of that kind. It is a manager’s duty to try to tame that ego, because the talent there is unquestionable.

I think him alongside Partey in our midfield could be a really good combo, helping us to play through the lines much better

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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