Is Guendouzi’s Arsenal career over?

David Ornstein has just shared an article he wrote on The Athletic regarding Guendouzi.

David’s Tweet read: Exclusive: Matteo Guendouzi has been training alone since Arsenal defeat at Brighton on June 20. #AFC keen to move on 21yo France midfielder, offering him as swap/sale. Club expected to meet with his reps in coming days. With @gunnerblog for @TheAthleticUK

For those of you who don’t subscribe to Athletic I Will share an article on here just this once:

Matteo Guendouzi has not trained with the Arsenal first team since their defeat at Brighton more than two weeks ago. The Athletic has learned that Mikel Arteta has instructed Guendouzi to train alone with a fitness coach, after encountering problems with the player’s attitude and general conduct.

The Frenchman attracted headlines after his post-match spat with Brighton striker Neal Maupay. Although he escaped punishment from the FA, it has been a different matter internally. Guendouzi was called to a meeting with Arteta and technical director Edu in the aftermath of the Brighton game but didn’t impress. Arteta’s decision to exclude Guendouzi is understood to be based on more than just this incident, which is seen as the latest in a series of indiscretions.

After all, this is not the first time Guendouzi has been the subject of disciplinary action by Arteta — during the warm weather training trip to Dubai in February, for example, Guendouzi’s behaviour led to him being excluded from the first-team squad for the subsequent Premier League match against Newcastle United. He was, however, back in the starting line-up for the next game against Everton.

This time around, however, Guendouzi has already been absent for four games. Arteta is understood to be disappointed that the player has not taken the initiative to apologise or shown a willingness to change. While there is admiration for his talent among Arteta’s coaching staff, some at Arsenal feel he has already been afforded enough chances. Arsenal have also explored the possibility of using him in a swap deal in the forthcoming transfer window. The club are due to meet with Guendouzi’s representatives in the coming days to discuss the situation.

Guendouzi encountered similar problems at Lorient, where a dressing-room argument saw him excluded from the first team for more than three months. Arsenal were aware of his fiery character when they signed him from the French club, but were optimistic that careful management could curb his indiscipline.

Since taking charge of the club in December, Arteta has been absolutely clear on the “non-negotiables" he expects from his players — and quick to clamp down on those who deem themselves exempt. Last month, a couple of first-team players decided against attending a club conference call to discuss the practicalities of Project Restart. An uncompromising WhatsApp voice note made Arteta’s disapproval abundantly clear.

Arteta reiterated the characteristics he is looking for in his players before the victory over Wolves. “I want players that respect the values that we want to implement, that are 100 per cent committed to our culture and players that are accountable every day for what we demand from them," said Arteta. “Players that are ready to help each other, fight for each other and enjoy playing together. If you behave like this every day, you are very, very welcome here and we want to get the best out of you and help you to enjoy your profession with us.

What are people’s thoughts?