Arsenal chief reveals how important Guendouzi's signing has been | OneFootball

Arsenal’s head of recruitment has claimed that the signing of Mattéo Guendouzi over the summer showed the world that the club are “the old Arsenal again”.

The 19-year-old arrived from Lorient in July having not played a single top-flight game in his professional career.

Many assumed that the teenager would go into the Under-23 squad, but Unai Emery has trusted the midfielder in some of their biggest games so far – including this week’s draw with Manchester United.

And Mislantat, who has previously worked at Borussia Dortmund, has revealed just what a big statement landing Guendouzi was.

“I saw him (Guendouzi) play in Lorient when the club was still in Ligue 1,” Mislintat told Die Zeit.

“I like this club, you always find interesting players there.

“Guendouzi attracted attention with his long hair and his personality but my interest is also the weakness of a player. Can you stop them?

“Matteo ran inexpedient over the whole field but for me one thing was clear: It’s just a matter of time to break with that habit.

“For us, the transfer of this 18-year-old boy was an important signal to show the world: We are the old Arsenal again, who give young players a real chance.”

Guendouzi is in line to start for the Gunners when they take on Huddersfield at the Emirates this weekend.