Matteo Guendouzi the goal for Arsenal bargain moves

The structure of Arsenal’s executives and their respective roles has seen numerous iterations. Thus far, none of them have worked. Sven Mislintat, Ivan Gazidis and Raul Sanllehi, among others, each had their time in the spotlight with varying degrees of success. None lasted long and Arsenal have yet to find the right people to fill the right positions.

In spite of the hierarchy merry-go-round, there have been a few positives. One of those positives has been Matteo Guendouzi’s acquisition and his coming sale.

Guendouzi’s move to Arsenal was one that flew under the radar. Bigger pieces were being moved and a bargain transfer for a teenager from Ligue 2 did not make headlines and understandably so.  Yet with his debut against Manchester City in 2018, he attracted the eyes of football’s biggest teams.

In part due to his natural ability and in part due to the team underperforming, fans were quick to latch onto Guendouzi and the hope he brought. A Wenger-esque signing in its obscurity, there was expectation that the French youngster would anchor the midfield for a decade. Yet even through the good performances, there were flashes of an impending implosion.

Matteo Guendouzi to Marseille the goal for Arsenal bargain moves with signing of young players almost always likely to provide profit in the transfer markets

The booking against Portsmouth for dissent; the disputes during warm weather training in Dubai. All these small red flags culminated in the outburst against Brighton. Guendouzi’s attitude was on full display and nobody could argue against Mikel Arteta pushing him away from the setup.

A loan to Hertha Berlin has seen more of the same. Solid displays marred by an issue in mindset. There was no way back for him at Arsenal and yet his coming loan and sale to Marseille would nonetheless signal a move in a positive direction for transfers.

While Guendouzi has not been the week-in, week-out starter many dreamed of, he has been a success in his own right. He was able to come in, fill a need and increase his value. The bargain price Arsenal got him for ensures that even now, even when the entire world knows that Arsenal is looking to move him on, the club will still stand to make a profit.

These are the types of moves that Arsenal need to prioritize. Under-the-radar signings with the potential for profitable moves further down the line have the scope to bring in much-needed cash. Regardless of what degree of success there is for such acquisitions, there is always a market for young players. Especially those with Premier League experience.

Not every transfer will be a masterstroke. Yet capitalizing on less expensive players with huge upside along with greater risk may be exactly what the club needs in this never-ending rebuild.

Buy low and sell high(er).