Guendouzi: I’m worried about worst Arsenal in 25 years

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 4 Jul 2021 20:13 BST
3 min read

Arsenal’s Guendouzi agrees terms with Marseille over possible move — © ProShots

Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has admitted that he is worried about the direction the club is heading in.

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Last season, the Gunners failed to qualify for Europe for the first time since 1995 as they finished in a truly dismal eighth position in the Premier League.

Guendouzi did not play for Arsenal in 2020/21 as he spent the season on loan at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

Guendouzi sad at Arsenal demise

"To see that the club failed to qualify for a European competition for the first time in 25 years hurts deeply,” he told Bild.

“That takes a lot of emotions from me. Arsenal are a big club in Europe that deserve to be in the Champions League every year. That's normal for me, an institution like this deserves only the best. Arsenal must return to where it belongs.

"I don't know the reasons for the failure because I wasn't there last season. But I'm concerned about the club's situation because Arsenal deserve great things. I am a Gunner from the bottom of my heart and will remain so, no matter what."

I don't know the reasons for the failure because I wasn't there last season. But I'm concerned about the club's situation because Arsenal deserve great things."][Matteo Guendouzi]}

Guendouzi has returned to north London as his loan move in Berlin was not made permanent.

To new beginnings ... A difficult day arrives, this one, the day to say goodbye to an entire institution for which I had the immense privilege and honor to play football and defend its blazon in an extraordinary championship made of professionalism and humility. pic.twitter.com/Abqo1cRzAB
— Matteo Guendouzi (@MatteoGuendouzi) June 10, 2021

Will Guendouzi leave Arsenal?

However, the 22-year-old midfielder is unlikely to remain for very long as he is unwanted by manager Mikel Arteta.

Guendouzi’s temperament and character have been questioned repeatedly during his short career thus far.

He became an outcast at Arsenal during the 2019/20 season when he infamously grabbed Brighton’s Neal Maupay by the throat during a hot-tempered clash.

The Frenchman endured similar issues at Berlin, having an on-field row with team-mate Matheus Cunha in January.

With his contract expiring in 2022, Guendouzi is believed to be close to a summer move to Marseille.

"I'm under contract with Arsenal and we have mutual obligations,” the youngster said of his future.

"There is interest from clubs from different leagues. Right now I'm one hundred percent focused on my recovery. In due time, I will decide with my advisors and my father which direction we are headed."

Gunedouzi joined Arsenal from Lorient in 2018 for £7 million plus bonuses.