Arsenal chiefs have a sense of regret that Matteo Guendouzi will make a permanent move to Marseille at the end of the season after a successful loan transfer with the Ligue 1 side.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report few at the Emirates Stadium doubt the French midfielder’s talent. The way that his career in north London ultimately played out is also a source of disappointment for the Gunners, having fallen out with head coach Mikel Arteta.
Guendouzi built a close bond with Unai Emery after joining Arsenal from Lorient for £8m in 2018 under the Spaniard. But he failed to form the same sort of rapport with Arteta, which has not been an issue at the Stade Velodrome where he is closer with boss Jorge Sampaoli.
Guendouzi’s has matured on the pitch during his year back in France, as well, which some credit to a mix of Sampaoli and the birth of his child. While some also suggest his troubles building a bond with Arteta came in part through the coach’s desire to separate cliques.
The French core in the Gunners dressing room were close-knit and influential when Arteta took over from Emery. The Spaniard has since set out his non-negotiables and ruled with a firm stance, which also sparked the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
Arsenal hold sense of regret ahead of Guendouzi sealing permanent Marseille move
Now, Arsenal are set to lose Guendouzi for good at the end of the season when Marseille turn his loan transfer permanent. The Athletic add that Les Phoceens paid the Gunners just €1m (£833k) last year for the temporary side of the deal, plus an €11m (£9m) buy clause.
OM were always likely to meet the purchase terms as it was only based on Sampaoli’s side avoiding relegation. They currently sit second in the standings after 29 games in a battle to secure Champions League qualification with Rennes and Nice, as PSG run clear for the title.
Guendouzi – who Gary Neville called ‘fantastic’ while under Emery – has featured in all 29 of Marseille’s French top-flight fixtures. He has also scored three and created eight goals so far this season. He has also provided a further goal and five assists over OM’s cup ties.
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