According to Foot Mercato, FC Barcelona are chasing after Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi this summer. In fact, the two clubs are discussing the possibility of a potential swap deal between the central midfielder and Philippe Coutinho. None of these two players are wanted by their respective parent club, and they believe that a switch to the other end could make sense.
Matteo Guendouzi: Does He Have A Future At Arsenal?
Guendouzi seemed destined to enjoy a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League this season, especially given the start he had. But, following the arrival of Mikel Arteta, he has fallen out of favour, particularly due to his questionable attitude, which is not favoured by the new Arsenal manager.
Guendouzi’s exploits in Dubai earlier this year was punished by a lack of game-time while the Frenchman was also dropped from the starting lineup after a bust-up with Brighton & Hove Albion star Neal Maupay.
And currently, Guendouzi’s future at Arsenal seems bleak. Granit Xhaka has already established himself as a reliable leader in the middle of the park while Dani Ceballos is finally starting to fulfil his potential. These two have managed to nail down their places as first-team regular, with Arteta also having the option of Lucas Torreira.
Therefore, a move away from the Emirates seems like a wiser move for Guendouzi and Barcelona, in that regard, could certainly use a tenacious and aggressive athlete like him.
How can Philippe Coutinho inspire Arsenal?
Arsenal have struggled with lack of creativity in the number ten slot following the departure of Aaron Ramsey, which was coincided with the massive decline of Mesut Ozil. As a result, the Gunners have now relied on the pace of individuals like Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka as their main sources of creativity.
Coutinho, in that regard, should add more creative inspiration in the attacking third. He can find those breakthrough passes that could ideally suit players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. More importantly, he has the experience of playing in the Premier League, meaning he should settle in rather quickly.
Therefore, it is fair to say that a swap deal between Coutinho and Guendouzi should work out nicely for Arsenal. However, they may have to offload someone like Ozil to sustain their wage structure and to, sign a replacement for Guendouzi in central midfield.
