Arsenal are looking to tie Matteo Guendouzi’s future with a new five-year-deal which will double the Frenchman’s current wages at the club.
Arsenal’s impressive transfer business in the summer window could be followed up by some improved contract extensions to several of their first-team stars. According to The Mail, Arsenal are hopeful of convincing midfield stalwart Matteo Guendouzi to a new five-year deal, which will also double his current wages at the Emirates.
Guendouzi has been touted as one of Arsenal’s transfer coups. The 20-year-old Frenchman joined Arsenal last season from Lorient and immediately impressed with his energetic performances. Gundouzi went on to make 48 appearances in all competitions last season including 33 in the Premier League. This season, Unai Emery has selected him for the first two games of the season.
The signs are there for Guendouzi to play a significant role this season on multiple fronts and is destined to be even more important than last season. That said, Arsenal are looking at the future and want to tie him down for the long term with a new five-year contract. The Gunners are prepared to double his current £35,000 per week wages and pay him around £70,000 a week.
There is nothing signed so far, but Arsenal remain hopeful the lure of playing under Emery and for the club itself will be enough to convince Guendouzi to stay. On the other hand, its uncharacteristic of Arsenal to offer a new deal so early in a player’s tenure as Guendouzi’s current contract ends only in 2022. Considering his rise and form, the Gunners want to secure the midfielder’s future.
Apart from Guendouzi, Arsenal are also looking to secure the long-term future of some of their prominent players. A deal for Alexandre Lacazette is thought to be in the pipeline, while the club have made further movements by reportedly preparing a lucrative extension for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Securing the futures of these players will be a boost for Arsenal. The North London club’s policy with player contracts came in for massive criticism in recent years. They lost several players including Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez to other big clubs. Arsenal does not want to commit the same mistakes and move forward differently, and these contract offerings show they are on the right path.
Guendouzi, after his first season at Arsenal, was attracting interest from several clubs, including PSG’s. Arsenal were resistant enough to avoid any real approaches. With this offer of a new contract, Arsenal are certainly showing their faith in the midfielder. The feeling is that Guendouzi will sign a new deal at the club when an offer is on the table.
