Unai Emery has made his impact felt at Arsenal this season.
New training times, an increased importance on fitness and a Premier League points tally that is already equal to last season's haul.
Even in a time where the head coach is somewhat removed from the transfer process, he has had a role according to Matteo Guendouzi's brother, Bénard, at least.
It seems the 47-year-old Gunners boss laid the groundwork for a potential move all the way back in December 2016 and that paid dividends when Emery's former club, PSG made their interest known.
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Guendouzi's sibling told Le Parisien - via Sport Witness : “ I knew that Unai Emery had been following him for a long time. He had spotted him when Lorient conceded 5-0 at the Parc and Matteo had played only the last thirty minutes. So, I can tell you that he did not hesitate a long time when he knew that the Spanish coach was going to Arsenal even if PSG had done the forcing.”
The 19-year-old Guendouzi has enjoyed an incredible debut season in the Premier League making 27 appearances and becoming a regular despite competition in Arsenal's midfield. The youngster's brother believes that his maturity extends beyond the pitch too.
Bénard explained: “ He is very well surrounded, especially by my parents and his agent, and already has great maturity. Footballers are much better guided than jockeys. In Lorient, from the age of 15, he took courses in communication and advice to manage things outside the sport. This does not exist in horse races (Benard is a jockey): we are alone!”
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