Transfer Centre

Mikel Arteta refuses to guarantee Matteo Guendouzi stay

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 June 2020

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refuses to guarantee that Matteo Guendouzi will still be at the club beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to guarantee that midfielder Matteo Guendouzi will still be at the club at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 21-year-old was left out of the squad against Southampton on Thursday, having been involved in an altercation with Brighton & Hove Albion's Neal Maupay last weekend.

Arteta is allegedly prepared to sanction the sale of the Frenchman during this summer's transfer window due to concerns over his attitude.

When questioned whether Guendouzi could leave the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season, the Gunners boss refused to guarantee that the youngster would remain at the club.

"All the players that are here, I am counting on them," The Guardian quotes Arteta as saying. "If they want to jump on the boat they are more than welcome and that's always my mindset. I am here to help all of them to improve individually and collectively. That is my job."

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs to be linked with Guendouzi amid the recent speculation.