Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has been training by himself as the Gunners seek a buyer for the 21-year-old, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The Frenchman has had a series of run-ins with head coach Mikel Arteta which came to a head following his behaviour in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month.
Arteta has since stated that Guendouzi would not return unless his attitude changes, and it seems that the club have decided to cut their losses on the player, with Ornstein claiming he will be offered to other teams:
Exclusive: Matteo Guendouzi has been training alone since Arsenal defeat at Brighton on June 20. #AFC keen to move on 21yo France midfielder, offering him as swap/sale. Club expected to meet with his reps in coming days. With @gunnerblog for @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/C901Y2cDk6
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 6, 2020
Supporters on Twitter are surprised by this latest development:
That’s mad
— Curt? (@CurtP23) July 6, 2020
At least arteta ain’t playing games. If matteo ain’t gonna follow the process. Then we may as well cash in…
— Alex jackson (@Pepe19Jackson) July 6, 2020
bad player with a bad attitude. Move him on. Get a DM and a AM in. Fix the Defence and we are good
— Nikola13 (@cercilbog) July 6, 2020
That’s what Pep would do and thats what Arteta does… finally someone bringing some class to your club…
— AA GAMER (@2020AAGAMER) July 6, 2020
Shame he can’t get it together at arsenal. Think he’s going to be a great midfielder
— bino83 (@BinoR1983) July 6, 2020
If he isnt on board he should be sold. But we are selling from a position of weakness like this. Clubs know we don’t want him and will low ball us
— EssAitchAre (@EssAitchAre) July 6, 2020
His talent is undeniable but Arteta is building a team around a group of players who are grounded and talented, so clearly talent alone is not enough. Let’s allow the Manager to do his job with the players he wants!
— Buh Cooler (@nangananga) July 7, 2020
He will be one off the best CDMs in the world in a few years..
— DavidMamB (@RootweltDavid) July 6, 2020
Fine, doesn’t play for the badge plays for himself
— Max (@MaxTildesley_) July 6, 2020
There are a couple of elements in play here. Firstly, Arteta needs to stamp his authority on the squad and he has had to make an example of Guendouzi due to his poor attitude.
Secondly, Guendouzi is one of the club’s most saleable assets, and if he is not part of the manager’s first-team plans, he is one of the best players to use to bring in cash so they can finance moves for new signings.
