Arsenal have confirmed the departure of French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi to Hertha Berlin on a season-long loan deal.
Matteo Guendouzi’s horrors at Arsenal have come to an end. Herth Berlin have announced the signing of the French midfielder on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2020/21 season, which does not include an option to buy.
Guendouzi joined Arsenal in the summer of 2018 and enjoyed two impressive campaigns at the Emirates, where he overtook the likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka as the first-choice midfielder within the squad, displaying top-notch abilities on the ball.
However, the 2019/20 season ended in a disastrous manner for the French midfielder, who fell out of favour with Mikel Arteta due to attitude issues. This was a direct result of his row with Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay when the two got into a heated verbal affair on the pitch.
Consequently, Guendouzi’s future was immediately called into question after he was reportedly chalked off Arteta’s plans. In the process, he was linked with several clubs including the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, and Hertha Berlin. Of the three however, Hertha Berlin was the only one who followed through till the end and has reached its conclusion on deadline day.
Good luck at @HerthaBSC, @MatteoGuendouzi ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 5, 2020
There are several slots within the capital outfit which are in desperate need of reinforcements, including centre-back and central midfield. The signing of Guendouzi can solve one of these issues. Marko Grujic’s Liverpool return has created a gaping hole in their midfield, leaving them with just three central midfielders, of which one is in the form of Niklas Stark, who solves the centre-back problem.
This move allows Niklas Stark to stay a part of the defence, while Guendouzi gives cover to Vladimir Darida, who is the engine of the team. The Frenchman boasts of superb stamina and could slot in a more profound role while the Czechian makes a mark in attacking midfield.
If push comes to shove, Bruno Labbadia could also use Guendouzi in wide areas, where he could use his ability to carry the ball over long distances, and his immense work-rate as a double-edged sword.
For now, it is inevitable that Guendouzi will return to Arsenal after one season in Berlin. But with the imminent arrival of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, he will have to do more than just pave his path into Labbadia’s first team if he wants to return to the Arsenal starting lineup.
