KEY POINTS

  • Matteo Guendouzi is looking forward to his Bundesliga stint with Hertha Berlin
  • The French midfielder is open to returning to Arsenal FC
  • Guendouzi could use his Hertha stint to get himself back to form

Considering the alleged misunderstandings between Matteo Guendouzi and Mikel Arteta, the loan of the French midfielder to Hertha Berlin could be for the best interest of all. But the key thing here is that it is a loan spell. This means that Guendouzi could still return to Emirates Stadium.

Guendouzi has been quiet since that skirmish involving Neal Maupay of Brighton, something that led to him being kept in cold storage. But it appears the 21-year-old has matured since that incident. He said to Canal+ that he is not against playing for Arsenal again in the future. The loan spell is something he considers a challenge and a way to get playing time.

"It is not that, I just really needed to play this year, a new challenge," Guendouzi said. "That was the most important thing for me. I am still young, I am only 21, so playing time was the top priority for me. So Hertha Berlin, I know that I will be able to express myself in a magnificent league."

Hence, the loan spell could be a way for Guendouzi to get his act together and re-sharpen his game. Being out for so long, there is no doubt that the French midfielder is expected to show some rust when he makes his Hertha debut.

But once that loan is over, it will be time for Guendouzi to figure out his next move. Arteta has not given up hope on the temperamental midfielder and hopes that he aligns with his plans and the Gunners’ system.

It was earlier reported that Arteta said he was willing to forget what had happened and start from scratch. That was not limited to Guendouzi but applied to all players on the Arsenal squad.

"I’ve been really clear that everybody starts from zero," Arteta said. "What you did two weeks ago or two years ago, doesn’t really matter. It’s what you are able to contribute to the team now."

Guendouzi was dealt to Hertha Berlin on the final day of the transfer window, ESPN reported. He was one of the players expected to move out in the weeks leading up to the deadline, with his relationship with Arteta seemingly having turned sour. But from the way he was talking, it appears he is ready to take up the Spaniard’s offer and will use this loan spell to prove his worth.

Matteo Guendouzi
Arsenal's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi Getty Images | OLI SCARFF/AFP