Matteo Guendouzi was ostracised from the Arsenal squad by Arteta after a well-publicised and unpleasant incident involving Neal Maupay after a 2-1 loss at the Amex stadium in June 2020. The Frenchman grabbed Maupay by the throat and his teammates intervened to pull him away from the Brighton forward.
The tension increased in the days after and it’s alleged that the player and his manager, Mikel Arteta had words on conduct and attitude. Following that, the player failed to appear in Arsenal colours again that season and has found himself exiled on loan to Hertha Berlin where he continues to perform well.
Now there are reports from German outlet BILD (via talkSPORT) that Guendouzi may be recalled this season, but is that shrewd management or more a statement about Arsenal’s finances in the light of £120m float/loan from the Bank of England? If it does happen, it could be an embarrassing situation for Arteta and his list of “unconditionals” and it may cause more friction behind the scenes.
Matteo Guendouzi is a marmite player, some on the Arsenal forums love him for his passion and ambition, others find him to be too confrontational, too much of a moaner, and someone who goes to ground far too easily. There’s no doubt that the player has talent, but temperament and professionalism are just as important in a player if he is to succeed in the Premier League.
Guendouzi is your typical Gallic, heart on the sleeve character, who plays with immense heart and commitment but it’s the small percentage of negatives that come with that temperament that causes concerns. The 20% is comprised of reaction and a degree of recklessness which has set the alarm bells ringing for Arteta.
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I’m obviously not able to tell you how the relationship was between Arteta and Guendouzi before his loan spell commenced, but there are suggestions of bad blood between the pair, to such a degree that a return was said to be unlikely.
However, Arsenal are losing money and even if they manage to sell off the deadwood, the cash may have to be used elsewhere other than the transfer window. So, it’s a case of could he or even should he. What do you think?
