Arsenal Legend Robert Pires: I’m Not Surprised By Guendouzi’s Rise

By The Editor
on 13th December 2018

Arsenal legend Robert Pires says he was aware of Matteo Guendouzi’s talents before he joined us…

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Arsenal legend Robert Pires stated that he’s not surprised by Matteo Guendouzi’s rise to prominence this season following his low-profile move to north London last summer, iNews reports.

Guendouzi joined from Lorient for a reportedly modest fee of £8m, with his move coming days after the arrival of Lucas Torreira.

The 19-year-old started our first five games of the season, announcing himself as a credible first-team addition and while his playing time in the league has been sporadic ever since he’s certainly left an impression.

Unai Emery is certainly a big fan of the starlet and Pires isn’t surprised by the teenager’s immediate impact with the Arsenal legend stating that he already had his eye on him.

“Matteo, I know him a little bit because he used to play for Lorient in France,” Pires was quoted as saying.

“Of course, for Arsenal fans, for journalists and for some people he has been a great surprise because nobody knew him when he signed for Arsenal. But he’s a great player, he’s very talented and he’s very confident.”

Asked if he was surprised by Guendouzi’s immediate impact, the Gunners legend was emphatic in his response: “For me, no, it was not a surprise for me.

“I repeat, because I know him. He plays simple, he runs a lot, he’s like a warrior. I think he’s like Lucas Torreira. For Arsenal, it’s very important to have a player like Matteo Guendouzi. He’s a good player and I think he can make a success with Arsenal. I hope so.

Only Lucas Torreira has made more appearances than Guendouzi in all competitions for us this season, something few could’ve predicted upon his arrival in July.

His ceiling seems quite high and it will be interesting to see how he develops.