Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the Gunners can afford to lose Matteo Guendouzi after his falling out with manager Mikel Arteta.

The 21-year-old has not played since the 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month, with reports claiming he is being offered to other clubs. Keown thinks the player is likely to be more trouble than he is worth:

“His biggest quality is his personality. I’m not sure he’s really good enough if I’m absolutely honest. I think if you do have misdemeanours and you play well on the pitch that seems to get you back in and that may be the problem for him.”

“[Lucas] Torreira now is back from injury, [Granit] Xhaka is playing better in that position, [Dani] Ceballos is controlling games for Arsenal. It’s going to be difficult for the young man to get back in but everybody deserves a second opportunity, but it starts from the training pitch.”

Guendouzi’s poor discipline appears to have led to a breakdown in his relationship with Arteta, but Keown is a bit off the mark with his dismissal of the midfielder’s talent.

The Frenchman is still very young and he certainly does have the potential to go on to be a top-class player. Whether that will happen at the Emirates, though, it does seem unlikely now.

Much will depend on whether Guendouzi changes his attitude and knuckles down in training. Otherwise, a departure this summer is almost certain considering the hardline stance that Arteta has taken.