Arsenal: Arteta reflects on first year in charge of Gunners
Arsenal chief Edu could be forced into making an early decision on Matteo Guendouzi's future as the January transfer window looms. The midfielder is impressing on loan at Hertha Berlin after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
Guendouzi joined Bundesliga side Hertha on a season after Arsenal failed to secure his permanent exit last summer.
The 21-year-old was frozen out by Arteta after clashing with Brighton players during the Gunners' 2-1 Premier League defeat back in June.
His fortunes have taken a turn for the better since joining Hertha, with the German side having lost just one of their seven games since he broke into the first team last month.
Guendouzi also scored a rocket from the edge in Hertha's 1-1 draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach last weekend - not something he was known for at Arsenal.
Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi has been hailed as a leader at Hertha Berlin (Image: REUTERS)
The Bundesliga side have been so impressed with Guendouzi's start to life in the Bundesliga that they want to sign the France under-21 international on a permanent deal, according to Der Tagesspiegel.
Hertha boss Bruno Labbadia hailed the midfielder's leadership qualities and technical abilities in an interview with the German publication.
"He is very, very valuable to us," said Labbadia. "We are happy that we were able to sign him.
"He's a very, very good footballer, who has a good sense of space and is technically very strong.
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“Even though he's young, he gives instructions. He is not at all interested in whether he speaks the language."
With Guendouzi's Arsenal contract set to expire in 2022, next summer could be the last chance for the Gunners to recoup a transfer fee from his Emirates exit.
So Hertha could move when the transfer window opens next month in order to beat any competition for Guendouzi's signature.
Arsenal's technical director Edu and manager Arteta may find themselves weighing up an offer which could help finance their own recruitment plans for the new year.
Arteta will go in search of a first win in seven Premier League matches on Saturday when Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to face Everton (5.30pm).