Hertha Berlin’s latest opinion of Matteo Guendouzi as Arsenal weigh-up future

Hertha Berlin sporting director Arne Friedrich has waxed lyrical about Matteo Guendouzi – branding the on-loan Arsenal outcast a "great player and great professional".

Guendouzi, 21, was sent out on loan to the German side back in October after a reported fallout with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Arteta was left furious with the midfielder's ill-tempered antics in a 2-1 defeat away at Brighton last year, when replays appeared to show him grabbing Neal Maupay by the throat.

Yet since being offloaded to Hertha, Guendouzi has managed to transform his fortunes and rediscover his best form with Pal Dardai's side in Bundesliga.

He has racked up 21 appearances for the club this season, helping them keep their heads above water in the dreaded relegation battle.

And while the Frenchman has spoken of his desire to return to Arsenal at the end of the campaign, Hertha chief Friedrich has heaped praise on their in-form loanee.

He told The Guardian: "When you talk about Guendouzi and see his skills, you realise that he is a great player.

"I’ve also read that he had problems at Arsenal but here he behaves very well. He puts all of himself on the field. He is a great professional.

"Guendouzi’s situation confirms that we must always understand how to help the players, with a talent like him it is worth it."

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    • Despite Friedrich's admiration for Guendouzi, the loan move is unlikely to be made permanent at the end of the season due to Hertha's lack of finances right now.

    The player has also set his sights on heading back to Arsenal and clarifying his future, recently telling France Football: "Now, I am focused on my season with Hertha Berlin.

    "Next, we will have a sit down with my entourage and people at the club to think and discuss the future.

    "I am still an Arsenal player. This summer will be a decisive moment."

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    READ MORE:Arsenal loanee Martin Odegaard 'heartbroken' at decision over £40m Real Madrid transfer

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