According to Le10Sport, PSG are ready to rival Real Madrid in pursuit of Matteo Guendouzi. The Arsenal midfielder has been linked with a move away from Emirates as questions have been raised over his character that might have put Mikel Arteta off. The report suggests that PSG have been the latest club to show interest in Guendouzi, providing Real Madrid and Barcelona stiff competition, with the youngster being valued at around €35 million.
Matteo Guendouzi’s downfall at Arsenal
Guendouzi started the 2019/20 campaign in a positive fashion, playing a pivotal role in the early games. The subsequent downfall of Granit Xhaka helped him gain a more prominent role in the first-team. However, that changed following the arrival of Arteta in December.
The Frenchman was not favoured by the new Arsenal manager, and the relationship took a further hit following his exploits in Dubai, during the club’s mid-season preparations. As a result, Guendouzi has made only four starts since the arrival of Arteta, who has generally preferred Xhaka in central midfield.
The 21-year-old has not even featured in a single game since his bust out with Neal Maupay in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. And with Arteta pretty much content with Xhaka and potentially Dani Ceballos, a move away from Emirates would be the right option for Guendouzi this summer.
Do Real Madrid really need Guendouzi?
Real Madrid clearly need some reinforcements in the midfield department this summer. While the young Federico Valverde has done well, Luka Modric is nearing the end of his career. Same can be said for Toni Kroos, who is now 30 years old with the club having no viable alternative.
Guendouzi, although not a like for like replacement for Kroos, certainly has the zest as well as the tenacity that could help thrive under Zinedine Zidane, whose tactics revolve around the idea of direct play and quick counter-attacks. The Frenchman, in that regard, has the willingness to win the ball back for his team that could help him create turnovers in midfield.
Although the Arsenal star is yet to establish himself as a Premier League star, he still has time on his side. But importantly, he has the hunger to impress and would be better suited to a team whose style of play tunes in well with his own. And for a fee of €35 million, Guendouzi can also be an excellent cost-effective alternative for Rennes’ whizkid Edouardo Camavinga. Hence, he might not be a bad investment for Los Blancos.
