PSG are weighing up a move for controversial Arsenal youngster Matteo Guendouzi according to reports.Â
Following a spat with Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta, it looks like the 21-year-old Frenchman will be departing North London this summer with a whole host of top clubs vying for his signature.
According to Mail Sport, the French champions are keen on bringing Guendouzi back to Le Parc des Princes where he spent nine years during his academy years.
But they’ll face stiff competition from a number of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan have all been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent weeks showing that he is clearly highly thought of in the football world.
Which begs the question why are Arsenal open to letting him leave?
Since breaking into the Arsenal team in 2018 after a move from Lorient, Guendouzi has been one of the few shining lights at the Gunners.
For many years Arsenal players have been accused of showing no heart or desire to fight for the shirt. Something that their poor league form has been attributed to.
But this is something Guendouzi can’t be accused of lacking.
Always wanting to get on the ball and make things happen, his fiery on-pitch persona has endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful.
However in recent months what was previously viewed as passion has turned into ill-discipline.
This was clear during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton where he was involved in a scuffle with Seagulls’ forward Neal Maupay with Guendouzi allegedly mocking the opposition’s inferior wages.  Â
This behaviour has since lead to him being dropped for Arsenal with Arteta now happy to sell Guendouzi when the transfer window reopens.
With Arsenal going through a transition period, Arteta clearly wants players he can trust. And unfortunately for Guendouzi, it seems like he doesn’t fall into this category.
But Arsenal’s loss could be PSG’s gain.
Having previously represented the club at youth level they may have an advantage over other clubs when it comes to securing his signature.
With big personalities in Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani leaving PSG this summer they need to make signings who are going to make a difference on and off the pitch.
Guendouzi can certainly do that. His willingness to get on the ball and make things happen when matches are threatening to become flat is one of his best qualities and something PSG could utilise in their midfield.
As well as this he has a versatility which means he is able to play in a deeper central midfield role, or in a more attacking role if necessary.
Despite his young age, Guendouzi’s leadership qualities are arguably his best trait and while this can spill over into hot-headedness, at 21 he has plenty of time to mature.
If he does find himself at PSG this summer it may just be a move that suits all parties.
