Arsenal Star admits that he almost signed for PSG this summer.
Former Lorient midfielder Matteo Guendouzi admits that Paris Saint Germain were interested in signing him, but he chose Arsenal over the French heavyweights during the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old put pen to paper for a fee of 8 million pounds and was handed over the number 29 jersey by Unai Emery.
The Arsenal midfielder said that there were a host of clubs interested in him including PSG during the last transfer window, but he rejected them. Speaking to the famous English outlet Goal, he said: “It’s true that PSG showed interest this summer, like other clubs.”
Since PSG is a too big club to go at this stage for Guendouzi, the French teenager ruminated about his development and decided to join Arsenal. Additionally, Unai Emery has a good track of unfolding the youngsters.
“There were lots of discussions. But for me, the best choice was to join Arsenal. As soon as they approached me, I did not hesitate a single second and I concentrated solely on their proposition.” added Guendouzi.
Guendouzi was slotted into the starting eleven for the first five league games. He did impress during that short period of time, but the results were not going the way of Gunners forcing Unai Emery to make some tactical changes.
This move saw another new signing Lucas Torreira march into the starting eleven. Since then, the French international has started only 3 League games but has been a regular face in the starting eleven in the League Cup and Europa League.
He has scored his only goal for the Gunners against Qarabag Agdam in the European competition away from home. Besides, Guendouzi has also bagged two assists in the League Cup against Blackpool and Brentford in the process.
Matteo Guendouzi has been a surprise package for the Gunners this season. It might be too early, but he has justified his transfer move by choosing Arsenal and reject PSG and every other club interested on him.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has heaped praise on the French youngster in the post-match analysis after the game against the Red Devils.
The Bulgarian said in the Sky Sports Studio “He’s 19 but he’s playing like he’s been there forever.
‘Sometimes I’m watching him like I want to be against him because he is p*****g me off with the confidence he has.”
“He’s [got] a confidence that I want to beat this guy. ‘He’s so confident on the ball and he’s everywhere on the pitch.
“I’ve watched him. He’s in his box, the other box, running without a problem. ‘You can be 19 and have the mentality and experience of a 24-year-old. Age doesn’t matter. He’s unbelievable.” he said.
Unai Emery has turned the club upside down with their 21-game unbeaten run in all competitions since the defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea early on in the season. They have been a revelation with a majority of the team getting more efficient under the Spaniard as the days go by.
