MATTEO GUENDOUZI has vowed to fight for his Arsenal future – but his stats from his loan spell at Hertha Berlin suggest he’s not ready.
The Gunners midfielder, 21, was shipped off on loan to Germany after clashing with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard was left furious after Guendouzi grabbed Neal Maupay’s throat during an ill-tempered game at Brighton last season.
The midfielder had already fallen out with club bosses for two separate off-pitch incidents – during a club trip to Dubai and a training ground scrap.
But after six months away, Guendouzi – only under contract at the Emriates until the end of next season – reckons he’s ready to return to the Arsenal fold.
When asked if he believed his career in North London was over, he told France Football “No, not at all.
“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.”
However, he will have to show Arteta much more in his final nine Bundesliga games this season with his stats making for awkward reading.
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Hertha Berlin are struggling this season, sitting in 16th – the relegation play-off spot in the German top-flight – after 25 games.
And while the club’s struggles may be hurting his individual performances, Guendouzi’s stats are largely down across the board compared to last season at Arsenal.
Guendouzi has scored more goals, with two this season compared his zero last term, and is creating more chances per game.
The Frenchman has created 13 chances in just 19 games as opposed to 14 in 34 matches last season.
However, his assists numbers have dropped from two to zero, with his passing success, dribbles success and duel success ALL taking a small hit.
Unfortunately for Guendouzi, it could spell the end of his Arsenal career.
His name has cropped up a number times in talks regarding a summer clear-out.
And with just a year left on his contract at Arsenal come the summer, the club may opt to cash in on Guendouzi while they can.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk