Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has proved to be a “bargain’ signing, claims former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley.
Guendouzi, 20, joined Arsenal from French second division side Lorient in the summer of 2018.
The Frenchman, who cost an initial £7million, has become a regular in the Gunners side, already notching over 50 appearances for the north London club.
This season Guendouzi has shone for Unai Emery and Curbishley is a big fan.
“What a bargain,” he told Premier League Productions.
“We’ve been talking big figures and that’s not even the VAT on other transfers. Incredible.
“He’s your Premier League player now. He’s got an engine, he can get around the pitch, he can defend.
“If he can add some goals, he’s going to be absolutely the perfect midfield player, and he’s young.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright claims Guendouzi is the perfect player for his former side.
“I think he’s an all-round midfielder and I think he’s pretty good at everything he does,” Wright said.
“You’re seeing him now, with the experience, getting himself in the defensive areas, where he’s seeing things and stamping them out.
“He’s somebody that, once he gets the ball and he’s got time and space, he’s looking forward, he’s driving forward, he’s getting his assists up.
“We’re looking at somebody say ‘well, he’s not particularly good at anything’ – I think he’s pretty good at all of those things.
“His passing’s very good, he’s got great energy box to box.
“Obviously he’s going to need to add goals to his game if we’re really talking about a top midfielder.
“But in respects of what Arsenal need right now, he’s perfect.”