Arsenal have brought in young French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who has joined the club from Lorient as reported by the club’s official website.
Guendouzi becomes the Gunner’s fifth signing of a busy summer after the north London giants announced the signing of Uruguay international Lucas Torreira yesterday.
MORE: Confirmed: Arsenal continue summer signing spree with midfield arrival, star’s shirt number revealed
After the Gunners missed out on Paris Saint-Germain starlet Yacine Adli, it appears the club turned their attention to his compatriot, Guendouzi.
Who is Matteo Guendouzi?
Like Adli, Guendouzi came through PSG’s youth academy before moving to Lorient, where he’s managed to gain valuable experience.
Guendouzi has appeared a total of 21 appearances in all competitions and helped the club secure a top six finish in Ligue 2.
Still only 19 years of age, Guendouzi can operate as a defensive midfielder with the Gunners needing defensive solidity in front of the backline.
Guendouzi has been capped for France at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level, reads the game well and is proficient with his passing.
His style and physique can be compared to David Luiz and PSG star Adrien Rabiot.
However, with the signing of Torreira, the France youth international may not be shoehorned in the starting XI straight away, however it seems that head coach Unai Emery is sticking with one of Arsenal’s core principles in developing young talent for the future.
With the emergence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and with the addition of Guendouzi, Arsenal’s defensive midfield options appear to be a lot brighter than before.