Guendouzi ‘fighting for Arsenal future’ after ‘heated row’ with Arteta

Joe Williams
Mikel Arteta Matteo Guendouzi Arsenal

Matteo Guendouzi was dropped for Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday after he had an argument with Mikel Arteta, according to reports.

The France under-21 international has started in 17 of Arsenal‘s 26 Premier League matches this season and it was a bit of a shock to see him left out of the Gunners’ squad to face the Magpies.

The Daily Telegraph claim that his absence follows a ‘heated row with Mikel Arteta and members of his coaching staff during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai’.

Not only did Guendouzi and Arteta argue ‘on the training pitch’ but they also clashed ‘at the team hotel later that evening’.

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The Spanish manager, who took over from Unai Emery in December, was left ‘unimpressed with Guendouzi’s attitude and body language in Dubai, leading to their angry exchange’.

And the Daily Mail adds in another report that Guendouzi is now ‘facing a fight’ over his long-term future at Arsenal and his absence should be ‘viewed as a warning to the midfielder’.