Matteo Guendouzi is AXED by Mikel Arteta as Arsenal boss reveals he’s dealing with internal issues

Mikel Arteta has confirmed he axed Matteo Guendouzi from Arsenal‘s squad at Southampton due to ‘internal issues’.

The hot-headed French midfielder bragged about his wages while clashing with Neal Maupay and Brighton‘s other players on Saturday afternoon and has faced criticism.

And now Arteta has hinted that the 21-year-old was left out due to that incident at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta confirmed he axed Matteo Guendouzi from Arsenal’s squad due to ‘internal issues’

Asked why he had dropped Guendouzi by Sky Sports, Arteta said: ‘Squad management. 

‘Whatever internal issue we have, we deal with it privately. 

‘The needs of the team and the football club are always the same – put the best players on the pitch who are 100 per cent focused on winning the game.’ 

Guenoduzi was left out of the squad for an incident with Neal Maupay after the Brighton game

Guendouzi was angry with Maupay, who had been involved in the incident which saw Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno suffer an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Arteta elected to include youngster Matt Smith in the squad at Guendouzi’s expense.

Guendouzi was also left out of the Arsenal squad for disciplinary reasons for the game against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium in February. 

The Frenchman is under contract at Arsenal until the summer of 2022 and has the potential to be an excellent player but questions have frequently been asked about his temperament.