Philippe Coutinho is on loan at Bayern Munich (Getty Images)
The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal starlet Matteo Guendouzi could be on his way to Barcelona in a potential swap deal involving Philippe Coutinho. Matteo Guendouzi’s move away from Arsenal looks a reality as the player has been snubbed since Arsenal’s defeat at Brighton.
Guendouzi has found himself exiled at Arsenal since his ugly clash with Neal Maupay during their 2-1 defeat to Brighton. The 21-year-old grabbed the throat of Maupay at the end of the game but escaped FA punishment.
All this comes in less than a year since the £40k-a-week youngster was nominated for the 2019 Golden Boy award. The nomination was a clear indication that the Frenchman was making an upward rise in his career.
But now things look totally different for the youngster, with his Arsenal career at crossroads. Guendouzi has been the talk of the town with his recent behaviour and attitude, both on and off the pitch.
The Frenchman played HeThe player has gone to become a high-profile central midfielder over the period of two years.
So far, Guendouzi was known to be someone who is fearless and full of determination. He had displayed his potential but his behaviour of late has been nothing but unprofessional.
As for Phillippe Coutinho, the Brazilian would bring creativity into the Arsenal side; a vacuum that the gunners have faced, with Mesut Ozil spending more time off the pitch than on it this season.
Coutinho would well fit into a fast-paced attacking Arsenal team. The player has a prior experience of playing in the Premier league and knows the demands. There is no question with regards to his talent.
Coutinho can add more creativity up front to a Gunners side that is lacking on that front. And he could be a great asset going forward.
Matteo Guendouzi is an unpolished personality and a precious talent that Arsenal should ideally keep hold of. The Frenchman can have an excellent career but it all boils down to if he is willing to change his attitude and do as Mikel Arteta expects.
The coach is here to instil a new culture and seems to have a very clear philosophy. So it means the player has to behave well or just leave.
Guendouzi does have talent but his actions can have a lot of impact on team morale. It would be better to let the player go and swap him with Coutinho rather than let him stay if he doesn’t want to change his ways.
