Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guinduzzi has indicated he would be interested in continuing his development elsewhere after falling out of favor with head coach Mikel Arteta.
Despite being a regular starter under former boss Unai Emery, Guindozzi has been in and out of the team since Arteta’s appointment. His future at the club has also come under increased scrutiny since his unsavory behavior during last weekend’s defeat by Brighton.
Gondozzi’s behavior comes under scrutiny after clash with Brighton players / Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Gendozzi was accused of taunting Brighton players about their small wages and later grabbed Seagulls goalscorer Neil Maupe by the neck as Arsenal lost.
Soon after it was reported that Arteta was ready to let Guindozzi leave this summer as he was unimpressed with his attitude and behavior, which was first flagged in training.
Gendozzi was also left out of the squad for Arsenal’s much-needed win over Southampton on Thursday night, although Arteta denied it was related to the Brighton incident.
“No. Whatever problem we have internally, I will solve it privately. I explained that I can’t explain and that’s it.” When asked about the player’s absence, he said.
Mikel Arteta leaves Gondozzi out of squad / Robin Jones / Getty Images
But Gendozzi’s future remains up in the air regardless and L’Equipe report that it was an issue that was discussed at an internal disciplinary meeting this week, during which the player is said to have Told that he would not be against leaving next time. Weather
Arteta has tried to implement a culture reset at Arsenal over the past few months and Guandozzi has already found himself on the sidelines – the 21-year-old has started just four of the new manager’s 13 Premier League games in charge and Arteta is said to believe he lacks confidence.
It is suggested that Guindozzi sees what is taking a step backwards in his development and will eventually secure a place in France’s squad for next summer’s delayed Euro 2020.
L’Equipe highlight that Guendouzi already has a number of suitors, claiming that Inter boss Antonio Conte is a big fan. Juventus and Manchester United have reportedly expressed interest, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been mentioned.
A number of clubs have already been linked with Gandozzi, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United / Pool/Getty Images
Unsurprisingly, given what has already been reported, Arsenal are not averse to a sale and are said to have set a minimum price of €40m (£36m) for a potential transfer. This could help shore up the club’s precarious current finances, which have been hit by the coronavirus crisis.
A separate report originating from French outlet TF1 also claims that Guindozzi’s camp are already in early informal contact with Inter, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow her on Twitter and Facebook!