Hertha Berlin will not make a decision on Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi’s future until the end of the season, according to managing director Michael Preetz.
Guendouzi was sent on a season-long loan to Hertha in October after falling out of favour with manager Mikel Arteta.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been impressive for the Bundesliga side, establishing himself in Bruno Labbadia’s team and scoring twice in nine league appearances so far.
His form has prompted speculation that Arsenal might recall the Frenchman this month to bolster their own options in the middle of the pitch.
German newspaper Bild have suggested the Gunners may try to reintegrate him into the squad before his contract expires in the summer of 2022.
Hertha Berlin, who are currently 12th in the Bundesliga, have been pleased with Guendouzi’s impact, but are not planning to bid for him in the January transfer window.
"No decision will be made before the end of the season," managing director Preetz said.
Guendouzi fell out of favour with Arteta in north London but has settled well in the German capital, racking up 753 minutes of game time in the Bundesliga so far.
He has also managed to keep his temper in check, picking up just three yellow cards over his nine league appearances and Labbadia has been delighted with his loanee’s attitude as well as his performances.
“He is very, very valuable to us,” said Hertha boss Labbadia, as reported by TalkSport. “We are happy that we were able to sign him.
“He’s a very, very good footballer, who has a good sense of space and is technically very strong.
“Even though he’s young, he gives instructions. He is not at all interested in whether he speaks the language.”
Arsenal signed Thomas Partey to play in central midfield in the summer transfer window, but the new arrival from Atletico Madrid has struggled with injuries.
Instead, Arteta has tended to rotate Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos in central midfield.
While they made a poor start to the season, things have improved recently with Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle making it four wins in succession.
