Arteta stands firm as pundit claims flawed youngster’s Arsenal days over

Mikel Arteta will never again pick Matteo Guendouzi to play for Arsenal, according to former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell.

Guendouzi, 21, is currently on a season-long loan with Hertha Berlin after falling out of favour at the Emirates. It is all a far cry from when he arrived in north London to much fanfare in the summer of 2018.

Then manager Unai Emery said of the youngster: “He is a talented young player and a lot of clubs were interested in him. He has big potential and gained good first-team experience last season with Lorient.”

The France Under-21 ace did make an impact on the pitch with 82 appearances in all competitions. However, his attitude and behaviour were called into question after a series of incidents.

Things came to a head in the summer when he was involved in a scuffle with Brighton’s Neal Maupay. That was after the Seagulls inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Arsenal on June 20.

There were other off-pitch behavioural issues and the youngster was forced to train away from the first team. It seemed inevitable that he would be on his way and the rangy midfielder joined Hertha on October 5.

The hope was that he would learn the error of his ways and grow up while in Germany. But Campbell feels the damage has already been done and there is no way back for the starlet.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “I do not think he will play for Arsenal again. He doesn’t have a future at Arsenal.

“Mikel Arteta put him in detention after the Brighton game last season, that is what it was – detention.”

Arteta taking no prisoners

The Gunners are still trying to find their identity after the departure of Arsene Wenger.

It has been a mixed bag this term, with four Premier League wins and as many losses. However, the boss has stamped his authority on the squad, and they know where they stand.

“A manager like Arteta wants to see that you can toe the line, take your punishment, keep your trap shut and get working. Guendouzi could not do it,” added Campbell.

“He was given a clean slate at the start of the season, like Mezut Ozil, but they did not toe the line. Arteta is strong enough to exclude players he cannot trust. When a manager cannot trust you he is not going to back you.”

Guendouzi is valued at around £30m and management will hope he shines in the Bundesliga to boost his value.

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