Arsenal look set to secure the future of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi by getting him tied down to a new improved deal at the Emirates Stadium. The 20-year-old only arrived at the club from French side Lorient 12 months ago, but such have been the quality of his performances, boss Unai Emery is keen to tie him down.
Guendouzi was Emery’s first signing for the Gunners, who paid just £7.2million to sign him, but his valuation is now in the region of £30million following some impressive displays.
The energetic midfielder is a huge fans’ favourite and the Gunners faithful would be delighted to see the player put pen-to-paper on improved terms.
His performances have also caught the eye of France boss Didier Deschamps and a first senior international cap could also be on the cards, after nine appearances for the under-21s.
A call up to the France side would see his stock rise even further, hence Arsenal’s eagerness to get him tied down to the new deal as soon as possible.
It could only be a matter of time before some of Europe’s top clubs start to sniff around, Paris Saint-Germain have already been linked, and a new deal for Guendouzi could help keep the wolves away from the door.
Normally Arsenal would be in no rush as the player’s current deal still has two-and-a-half years to run on it, but because of the way he has taken to Premier League football, he will be offered fresh terms.
It is claimed that Arsenal will look to tie him down for the next five years, and his wages will rise from £40,000 a week to £70,000.
The youngster looks sure to agree and sign on the dotted line, allowing Arsenal to breathe a lot easier safe in the knowledge he is going nowhere for the foreseeable. During his 57 appearances for the Gunners last season Guendouzi completed 88% of his 1900 passes and has a completion rate of 89% so far in this campaign.
Impressive statistics and easy to see why the Gunners rate him so highly. He chipped in with just one goal and two assists last season and if he can improve on that aspect of his game, his valuation will rocket.
Arsenal are keen not to repeat mistakes of the past when players have got towards the final year of their contract and have ended up running it down and moving for free, most notably Aaron Ramsey. With that in mind, the Gunners have taken early moves to prevent it happening with Guendouzi.
