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Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi asking price already set before future talks

By Ross Kennerley

BIELEFELD, GERMANY - JANUARY 10: Matteo Guendouzi of Hertha Berlin looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between DSC Arminia Bielefeld and Hertha BSC at Schueco Arena on January 10, 2021 in Bielefeld, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
BIELEFELD, GERMANY - JANUARY 10: Matteo Guendouzi of Hertha Berlin looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between DSC Arminia Bielefeld and Hertha BSC at Schueco Arena on January 10, 2021 in Bielefeld, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi
Hertha Berlin’s Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi asking price already set after future talks open door to long-term Gunners stay. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /

Matteo Guendouzi has offered an open account of his Arsenal future as European domestic seasons enter their final stages and the summer draws closer. Discussing the potential of a long-term career in north London, Mikel Arteta’s side have already set his asking price.

The Frenchman had to leave. Petulance and an unwillingness to bed in to the culture being built at the club, it became apparent his attitude was not in line with the standards being set by Arteta.

A mad dash to flog him off at every opportunity saw the midfielder offered to both Lyon and Atletico Madrid as a makeweight in deals to sign Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey. Neither interested the selling clubs and the Ghanaian was eventually signed without the financial aid Guendouzi may have provided.

Sent out on loan to Hertha Berlin for the 2020/21 campaign, the 21-year-old recovered from a contracting COVID-19 to go on and start 14 of the next 15 Bundesliga fixtures for the club, operating in a versatile role in central midfield.

Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi asking price already set after future talks open door to long-term Gunners stay

His side’s form has dipped as has his, and he’s been a substitute in the last three league fixtures for the relegation-threatened German side.

In a long interview with France Football, Guendouzi opened up on his chances of staying at Arsenal beyond the summer, saying all the right words in relation to his future.

"“No, not at all [is his future over at Arsenal]. I’m focused on my season with Hertha. Then, I’ll have to sit down with my entourage and people at the club to think about and discuss the future. I’m still an Arsenal player. This summer will be a crucial time,” he said. “Yes, of course. I’m at Arsenal for another year. As long as I’m playing for Arsenal, I will give everything for this club, for the fans, the team and the staff. I will work hard for the shirt as I’ve always done”."

Is this someone who realises that he’s having a stinker in Berlin and Arsenal is the best chance he’ll get at playing for a top European club, or an indication of a corner being turned? In either case, Arsenal have set their price.

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