Mikel Arteta and Arsenal may have got things wrong when it came to Matteo Guendouzi as the midfielder continues to star for Marseille.
The 22-year-old was ostracised by Mikel Arteta following an incident in a defeat to Brighton where he grabbed the throat of striker Neal Maupay.
He was excluded from first-team training and it was believed to be the culmination of a number of incidents that saw Arteta keen to get the player out.
Last season, he went out on loan to Hertha Berlin and this campaign headed to the Ligue 1 club.
The midfielder clearly has huge potential and has been starring for Marseille so far this season.
Guendouzi is popular with his teammates and was named as the club captain for this season.
He was also picked as their player of the month for September thanks to his brilliant performances.
The France international scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Lorient on Sunday, helping Marseille climb to third in Ligue 1.
His first was a looping header from a Dimitri Payet corner and the second came in injury-time to seal the victory, slotting past the goalkeeper after a fine run into the box.
It has been a superb couple of months for Guendouzi as he forced his way into the France national side and helped them win the Nations League.
The midfielder now has three goals and two assists so far this season – better returns than most Gunners players.
He was also picked as their player of the month for September thanks to his brilliant performances.
The France international scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Lorient on Sunday, helping Marseille climb to third in Ligue 1.
His first was a looping header from a Dimitri Payet corner and the second came in injury-time to seal the victory, slotting past the goalkeeper after a fine run into the box.
It has been a superb couple of months for Guendouzi as he forced his way into the France national side and helped them win the Nations League.
The midfielder now has three goals and two assists so far this season – better returns than most Gunners players.
“Before coming to Marseille, I had a few choices. The speeches of Pablo Longoria, the president, and [Jorge] Sampaoli convinced me. I immediately said I want Marseille,’ he told Onze Mundial.
‘It’s the biggest French club, the one who has won the Champions League, there’s a great history. There’s the strongest crowd in the country, and maybe continent.
‘All these things confirmed my choice. I like playing in a full stadium when at home. I like to feel the true love from the fans for this club.
‘That’s what I found here. I haven’t been this happy since the start of my career.’
