Arsenal ready to ‘open contract talks’ with Matteo Guendouzi after midfielder impresses new boss Mikel Arteta
ARSENAL are ready to start contract talks with Matteo Guendouzi, according to reports.
The Frenchman has established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad and the Gunners are said to be keen to tie him down.
The 20-year-old has made 77 appearances for Arsenal since his 2018 move from Lorient.
And the North Londoners are ready to give him a pay-rise from the £40,000-a-week he currently earns, according to football.london.
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But the negotiations will reportedly not take place until the summer at which stage Guendouzi will have just two years left on his contract.
The France U-21 international left Paris Saint-Germain’s academy in 2015.
And his form has been so impressive since it saw the Ligue 1 champions linked with a move to re-sign him before his Emirates switch.
However, such has been his development under Arteta the North Londoners are confident of keeping hold of him.
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Earlier this month, Guendouzi spoke of his recent improvement at Arsenal.
He said: “I think that I have a certain status in the team now.
“I have been able to show that I can perform well so I now need to be consistent, always help the team, always give it my best and always play well on the pitch.
“I think I improved and that my level increased a lot this year.
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“I really think that I have hit many milestones and moved up a good few notches.
“I am even better than last season.
“My objective is to always keep making progress and that is what I will do in the years to come, keep on improving so I can be the best.”