Nicklas Bendtner

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has spoken fondly about the progress of Matteo Guendouzi and believes he can develop into a top quality midfielder. The Frenchman was an unknown after he joined the Gunners from Lorient last season but he has since made 50 appearances for the club across all competitions and has become a regular starter under Emery.

Speaking in a press conference, the Gunners head coach spoke about the potential of the former Lorient graduate, who has been rumoured to be close to a contract extension, he said: “We have a lot of young players who can develop a lot. We are going to push them. Matteo is very young but he has talent, his talent is to adapt to what we need.

“Last year his process was very good but we miss a lot with him to achieve big moments. Really, really I am very optimistic with him because he has this talent. We can improve other things, physically – we are working in the gym – his mentality. He has potential right now to help us achieve the best performance.”

Guendouzi has three more years remaining on his contract but talks are already underway regarding a new five-year deal worth £70,000-a-week. As such, Emery seems content with the proceedings of the midfielder and it remains to be seen whether he can overcome the positional errors which have cost the team on some occasions.

For the current campaign, Guendouzi has started the opening two games against Newcastle United and Burnley. Next up, the Gunners are scheduled to face Liverpool on the road and Guendouzi should keep his place, barring a surprise tactical change from Emery. The Gunners and Reds are currently the only teams, who have accumulated the perfect tally of points (six) after the first two gameweeks. Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently at the top of the table with a superior goal difference.