Arsenal: Guendouzi staying looks ‘less likely’ says Laurens 1769444792aOiNfDMm
Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery wants to be reunited with midfielder Matteo Guendouzi at Villarreal, reports claim. The La Liga club appointed Emery as manager to succeed Javi Calleja in July and he's on the look-out for new signings.
Guendouzi arrived at the Emirates during Emery's tenure for a modest £7.2million from Lorient in July 2018.
The France Under-21 international was thrown in at the deep end when making his debut during the club's 2018-19 season opener against Manchester City.
The Poissy-born midfielder quickly cemented himself as a fan-favourite - making 82 appearances in all competitions.
But his days in north London are numbered.
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Guendouzi was dropped for February's 4-0 victory over Newcastle having reportedly had a bust up with manager Mikel Arteta during a winter break training camp in Dubai.
But, having resolved those disciplinary issues, Guendouzi was in the headlines again.
The Frenchman grabbed Brighton forward Neal Maupay by the throat and allegedly taunted the opposition about how much money they earn in June.
Guendouzi hasn't been involved in any matchday squad since that incident and Arsenal are actively trying to offload him this summer.
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La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid were recently linked with the 21-year-old, as were Premier League Newcastle.
But another contender has emerged in Unai Emery's Villarreal.
French publication Footmercato claim Emery has called Guendouzi to let him know of his interest in bringing him to the Estadio de la Ceramica.
There have also been discussions between the two clubs, with a possible loan deal and an option to make the deal permanent included proposed.
Footmercato claim Arteta 'wants to get rid' of Guendouzi because the player doesn't feature in his plans going forward.