Mattéo Guendouzi reveals who convinced him to join Arsenal | OneFootball

Mattéo Guendouzi has made a superb start to his career at Arsenal after joining from Lorient in the summer.

The 19-year-old midfielder spoke to a French football programme about moving to north London from his native France.

On Canal Football Club, Guendouzi discussed his young career and how Arsenal manager Unai Emery was a major factor in his decision to join the Gunners.

“He was definitely a reason why I went. It was him who really wanted me to come to Arsenal,” Guendouzi said on CFC. “He is a very good manager, we have had very good results since the beginning of the season with him.”

The youngster had just 417 minutes of top-flight football under his belt from Lorient’s short stay in Ligue 1 in 2016-17 season. Despite lacking experience at the top level, Guendouzi has adapted exceptionally well to life in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s starlet has featured in 13 of the team’s 16 league games this year even though he appeared to be a signing for the future.

“He doesn’t come across as feeling under particular pressure, he is just doing what he loves to do. He has transmitted that to us on the pitch and that is why we are getting the results we are getting.”

Guendouzi talked about passing on the chance to return to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played in the youth ranks.

“It is true that PSG were very interested, like other teams, there were a lot of discussions, but for me the best decision I could make was to join Arsenal.”

“Once they positioned themselves, I didn’t hesitate, I orientated myself in that direction.”

Born in 1999, Guendouzi may have been too young to witness the high-flying Arsenal team with Thierry Henry and Robert Pirès but still has fond memories of the Gunners.

“I think when I was young I watched a lot of Arsenal, but the fact that there are a lot of French guys there played a big role.”