France Football have provided more details on why 21-year-old Arsenal midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi has not been training with the Arsenal 1st team since 20th June, after his scuffles with Neal Maupay and others during the club’s 2-1 loss to Brighton.
Guendouzi then had a major meeting with Arsenal bosses just a few days later, who were notably furious with the Frenchman’s supposed taunting of opponents by indicating that he earned more than them.
This meeting was more of a summons for the Frenchman, who sat down with the full compliment of big brass: Mikel Arteta, Raul Sanllehi, Edu and Huss Fahmy.
The contents of this meeting included the Brighton episode, but much more: turning up late at training, the episode in Dubai, which is where Guendouzi’s troubles with Arteta originated.
In the Middle East, Guendouzi had a major bust-up with Sokratis in a training session. This tension continued into the team hotel, where Arteta and Guendouzi’s voices were massively raised, with the Frenchman incensed that the Spaniard had taken Sokratis’ side.
The Arsenal board asked the player to exercise more self-control and to apologise. But in the meeting, Guendouzi did no such thing, explaining his desire to protect his teammates after the injury to Bernd Leno.
This was viewed as very insufficient by the Arsenal board from a player who has also ignored counsel from dressing room leaders such as David Luiz, who counselled the player to show more professionalism.
The outlet concludes by saying that it is very unlikely that Guendouzi will be part of Arsenal’s squad next season and that a meeting is scheduled for the end of the season between the board and his representatives to discuss his future.
If Guendouzi does not make a formal apology to the club or changes his attitude, it is very likely that he will be removed from proceedings.
Whilst Guendouzi will not formally be placed on the transfer list, Arsenal will listen to all proposals for him, including loans and player exchange deals.