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

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.

Arsenal Will Still Look to Sell Matteo Guendouzi

It would be the heroic comeback to trump all comebacks if Matteo Guendouzi somehow plays another senior match for Arsenal.

Talking the talk is one thing and it’s not anyone’s position to question his motives, but there is no route back for him in north London. Arteta always stated no door was ever closed but considering Matt Smith earned a place on the bench for an FA Cup final ahead of him and he was offered to every club asking during the summer, the writing is on the wall.

Rumours were that the Gunners were asking for £35m for the Frenchman at the end of last season, figures that varied on source. Of course, no side was going to pay that amount given how the campaign concluded.

Earlier in March is was claimed Arteta has already insisted Guendouzi has made his final appearance for the club, as per Football Insider, who added that his asking price was slashed by £5m down to £25m in a bid to attract further suitors.

If Arsenal can accrue £25m for the former Lorient man it would be a miracle.

He will have just 12 months to run on his deal come the end of the season, his attitude has been questioned even at Hertha Berlin and he can’t get into the starting lineup of a side third from bottom in the Bundesliga. Using the word ‘potential’ will only get you so far when the ongoing situation is not one attributed to a £25m player.