Arsenal's 'very big surprise' Matteo Guendouzi has already progressed with Gunners, says Unai Emery

Set to start: Guendouzi is expected to be in Emery's XI against West Ham
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jamie Teather25 August 2018

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has been pleasantly surprised by new signing Matteo Guendouzi since the 19-year-old arrived at the club this summer.

Guendouzi was one of Emery's five summer signings as the Spaniard set about stamping his mark on the squad inherited from Arsene Wenger.

Emery always intended to make the young midfielder a key member of his first-team squad this season but the Arsenal boss has already been surprised by Guendouzi's progress in five weeks at the club.

The France Under-20 has started both of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures to date and looks set to get the nod against West Ham on Saturday.

"He is improving, he is playing and working every day," Emery said of the former Lorient man.

"He is hungry - he wants to improve, he wants to learn every day, every match.

"It is a very big, positive surprise with him. Last year he was in Ligue 2 but when the club (Arsenal) spoke with me about him, the club had worked and watched him, we agreed (to sign him).

"When he arrived here - not the first day, which is very difficult - but after two weeks we spoke and said: 'his performance is a very big surprise' but also in each training and match we need him to show this progress consistently."

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