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Arsenal news: Matteo Guendouzi reveals shock player who convinced him to join Gunners
MATTEO GUENDOUZI has lifted the lid on his move to Arsenal, revealing that a former Gunner played a key role in his decision to join Unai Emery’s side.
Frenchman Guendouzi joined the north Londoners this summer from Ligue 1 side Lorient for a fee of £7million.
A number of clubs were rumoured to be interested in acquiring the 19-year-old’s services, including his old side Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Borussia Dortmund.
Guendouzi admits that was the case and has revealed that former Arsenal hitman Jeremie Aliadiere, who he played with during his time at Stade du Moustoir, convinced him to move to the Emirates.
"It’s true there were a lot of clubs interested in me,” Guendouzi told Arsenal TV.
“I had talks with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
"But as soon as I heard from Arsenal, the decision was very simple and I’m very happy to be here.
"I did speak to Jeremie about Arsenal and he said it’s a place where I can progress and learn a great deal from the staff here.
"He always spoke very positively and that made me feel very confident in the choice that I’d made. It’s the club of my heart.
I did speak to Jeremie about Arsenal and he said it’s a place where I can progress and learn a great deal from the staff here
"There have been a lot of French players here and Thierry Henry is a symbol in France after his long career here.
“I used to watch Arsenal games with my father and it has a special place in my heart."
Guendouzi made his competitive Arsenal debut last Sunday in the club’s opening fixture of the Premier League season, which saw them suffer a 2-0 loss to champions Manchester City.
Although his new side suffered a setback in their first league game of 2018/19 campaign and are currently in a state of transition, Guendouzi believes they can challenge for the title.
"Yes, I believe we can win it this season because of the players and staff we have," he added. "We truly believe and will do everything we can to win as many games as we can and to have a fantastic season. I truly believe we can do it.
"Man City are a top team but there are a lot of top teams in this division because the Premier League is the best league in Europe.
"There are plenty of others but we can be very positive and achieve good things this season.
“We can win titles because of the environment we have here and the quality of the players at our disposal."