Arsenal fear being stuck with Guendouzi as PSG reject chance to sign midfielder

Arsenal are beginning to worry that they may be unable to sell Matteo Guendouzi this summer after PSG rejected the chance to sign the central midfielder.

Guendouzi has not played for the Gunners since he lost his temper in the 2-1 loss against Brighton in June, in which he grabbed opponent Neal Maupay by the throat at full-time.

Following that match he was ostracised by manager Mikel Arteta, being forced to train separately from the first-team, and it is looking unlikely there is any way back for him at the club.

There were some reports that PSG would be keen on a move for the player, but according to The Sun the French champions have no interest in the 21-year-old.

Valencia have also been linked with Guendouzi, but are reportedly only interested in signing him on loan, while the Gunners want to sell him permanently in order to help raise funds to pay for transfer targets.

If Guendouzi does stay it remains to be seen whether he will be introduced to the first-team, but Arteta appeared to hint he could yet be given another opportunity.

Speaking ahead of the Community Shield victory over Liverpool last weekend, he said: “I have spoken to Matteo during the break and I have been really clear that everybody starts from zero.

“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.

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“I have told Guendouzi that at the moment he’s like any other player in the squad. He deserves to be treated exactly the same and I will do that to the best of my capability.”

His chances of breaking into the starting line-up may be hindered by the imminent arrival of Dani Ceballos, however, who is undergoing a medical in London ahead of a second season-long spell at the club from Real Madrid.