Arsenal are keeping an open mind on the future of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, according to the Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking in a recent interview on The Blind Gooner Youtube channel, the Italian reporter confirmed that the Gunners are “open” to keeping the 21-year-old, despite the player’s much-publicised falling out with manager Mikel Arteta.
Most Arsenal supporters on Twitter have reacted positively to this latest development, although some are sceptical over whether Guendouzi will be given a second chance by Arteta:
Great news, attitude aside he’s a great player, plus attitude can always be worked on
— AJ ? (@Gooner_Gurdz) February 9, 2021
Am I right in remembering that Douzi started a lot of games under Arteta? He clearly rates him. Only thing that got in his way was his on & off the pitch antics
— J (@J_Futbol1) February 9, 2021
Noiceeeee
— Phteven (@Stephan1303) February 9, 2021
The man is a quality player. Needs to add professionalism and he’s set.
— Arsènious Wenger (@arseniouswenger) February 9, 2021
If he gets on board why not.
The talent level has always been absurd- questions only ever were raised in relation to his attitude & ability to realize the boundless potential.
Lovely to see Arteta so open. Can’t lie always loved the player-love a redemption arc even more.
— SalibaSZN (@szn_saliba) February 9, 2021
Partey and Douzy in the middle… we’re conquering the EPL next season
— Mshabdi (@Mshabdi1) February 9, 2021
Hmm? I still think he’ll leave.
— AJ (@Pepe19Jackson) February 9, 2021
— Craig Pawson is the worst ref ever (@oziIwatch) February 9, 2021
Guendouzi has performed pretty well whilst out on loan at Hertha Berlin but, with the German club struggling at the wrong end of the Bundesliga table, it’s hard to gauge his performances accurately.
Whether Arteta will be open to keeping Guendouzi in the summer may well depend on the Frenchman’s maturity and his willingness to knuckle down and work hard to get back into the manager’s good books.
