Arsenal talent deemed 'extraordinary' by Luis Campos amid exit links

Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is reportedly close to leaving the Emirates permanently.

According to football.london, the 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with Marseille.

However, Portuguese giants Benfica are also trying to sign Guendouzi, according to O Jogo.

Arsenal stint not smooth sailing

The Frenchman joined Arsenal in 2018 from Lorient for a reported £7million fee, and he looked like a top prospect.

However, Mikel Arteta froze him out in wake of an incident against Brighton last summer.

Guendouzi grabbed Seagulls striker Neal Maupay by the throat towards the end of the Gunners’ Premier League defeat at the Amex Stadium.

That incident was apparently the last straw for Arteta, culminating in the player training alone.

Guendouzi then spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin.

Antena 1 interviewed former Lille director Luis Campos earlier this week and asked him what he thought of Guendouzi.

“He’s one of the best French youngsters,” Bancada quotes him as saying. “He’s an extraordinary player, with incredible abilities.

“(Guendouzi) was extremely young when he played at the highest level and played very well.

“Then he had a fall, but he has quality.”