In a stunning revelation that has sent waves through the Arsenal fanbase, former Gunners midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has openly admitted that leaving Arsenal remains “one of the greatest mistakes” of his career. The 26-year-old Frenchman, currently playing for Lazio, confessed that he has already pleaded with the Arsenal board to approve his return when the January transfer window opens.
Guendouzi, who left Arsenal in 2019 after a well-documented fallout with manager Mikel Arteta, expressed his deep remorse in an exclusive interview with L’Équipe. “Leaving Arsenal still haunts me every single day,” he admitted emotionally. “I was young, hot-headed, and I let my ego get in the way. My argument with Arteta — questioning his methods, my attitude in training — it was immature. He was building something special, and I walked away from it. Marseille gave me a chance, Lazio pays the bills, but Arsenal? That’s home. The badge means everything to me.”
The midfielder revealed that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to rejoin the club — even taking a pay cut or starting from the bench — just to prove his commitment. “I’ve already spoken with Edu and sent my request to the board. I’ll accept any role, any condition. I just want to fight for the badge again,” he added.
Sources close to Arsenal confirm that Guendouzi’s representatives have contacted the club, highlighting his past contributions — 82 appearances, 2 goals, and 5 assists — and reminding them of his impressive debut against Manchester City in 2019. However, memories of his fiery personality still linger. Reports from The Athletic and Sky Sports recalled how Guendouzi clashed with Arteta during training sessions, allegedly mocking the manager’s methods and walking out on drills. Arteta reportedly told the board then: “Matteo’s talent is undeniable, but his ego is dangerous.” Shortly after, the Frenchman was loaned to Hertha Berlin and eventually sold — a move that became symbolic of Arteta’s strict new culture at the Emirates.
Since then, Guendouzi’s career has seen ups and downs. He impressed during his spell at Marseille, but disciplinary issues continued to follow him, including red cards and off-field controversies. Now at Lazio, he has contributed 4 goals and 6 assists but has struggled to settle. “Italy is tough, but it doesn’t have the same fire,” he confessed. “Every time I see Arsenal play, I feel like I’m missing a part of myself.”
With Arsenal currently top of the Premier League, and midfield options limited due to Partey’s injury and Jorginho’s dip in form, Guendouzi’s timing couldn’t be more strategic. Sources say Edu Gaspar views his return as a possible “low-risk, high-reward” move, while Arteta remains cautious: “The past is the past, but trust must be earned,” he told reporters.
Fans are divided. Social media has exploded with #GuendouziReturn, gathering hundreds of thousands of posts. Some supporters believe his passion and tenacity could bolster the squad, while others think bringing him back could reignite old tensions. Pundits have also weighed in — Gary Neville praised the idea as “a smart move for depth,” while Jamie Carragher dismissed it as “a step backward.”
Still, Guendouzi’s plea is heartfelt. “I’ve watched every Arsenal game since I left,” he said. “I cried during the Invincibles documentary. That club is part of who I am. Arteta, if you’re listening — please, give me a chance to make things right.”
As the January window approaches, the decision lies with Arsenal’s hierarchy. Will they take a chance on redemption — or keep the door closed on one of their most polarizing former stars? For Guendouzi, this is more than a transfer wish; it’s a fight for forgiveness, loyalty, and a second chance at home.
