‘He’s matured a lot’: Player Arsenal dumped for £9m now valued at £35m

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided to get rid of Matteo Guendouzi from the Gunners, but the midfielder could return to England and turn out for Unai Emery at Aston Villa.

And, according to a report, Guendouzi has become a more matured player now than he was at Arsenal.

Journalist Jonathan Johnson has told CaughtOffSide that Marseille could get £30-£35 million for Guendouzi.

Aston Villa are interested in signing the 24-year-old France international midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to Le10Sport.

Newcastle United have also been linked.

As reported by BBC Sport in July 2022, Arsenal received £9 million in transfer fees for Guendouzi when the midfielder made his loan deal at Marseille permanent.

The Frenchman reportedly fell out with Arteta, who decided that Arsenal would be better off without him.

Now, as we have seen, Arsenal have moved on from Guendouzi and have not missed him at all, but the same could be said about the Frenchman.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been superb for Marseille over the years and was also part of the France squad that reached the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

And, according to French football expert, Johnson, the 24-year-old is a better and more matured player than when he was at Arsenal.

Matteo Guendouzi has matured since leaving Arsenal

Johnson said: “Speaking of that Arsenal and Marseille connection, it’s been interesting to see the development of Matteo Guendouzi in recent times.

“He’s more consistent now than he was at Arsenal, he’s matured a lot, and is not as much of a hot-headed player as he used to be, even if he still has his moments.

“He’s become a leader in this Marseille squad, and is benefiting from playing at the upper end of Ligue 1 and getting European experience as well.

“Marseille would love to keep him, but Aston Villa, managed now by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, really wanted him in January. It didn’t happen on that occasion but it wouldn’t surprise me if Villa come back in for him, because they’ll probably be a more attractive proposition for him now, with Emery looking like getting them into Europe.”

The journalist added: “I can certainly see him moving on with Marseille’s blessing because he didn’t push to leave in the winter window, for a free in the region of £30-35million.”