Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi has made a life here in Marseille and wants to stay in his homeland for the long term. The young French midfielder joined the Gunners back in 2018 from Lorient and then became a key member of their squad under head coach Unai Emery. But since his sacking, Guendouzi has been out on loan stints. He never had a cordial relationship with current manager Mikel Arteta mostly due to disciplinary issues.

It was at the Stade Velodrome that Guendouzi managed to rediscover himself. Before coming to Marseille he was also on loan at Hertha Berlin in Germany. However, his current contract runs till 2023 and the youngster does not want to return to North London.

Guendouzi spoke about his situation and how happy he is now at Marseille than what he was at Arsenal under Arteta. He is content that Marseille has the option to buy him outright at the end of the season.

“Today, I am on loan and still bound by my contract at Arsenal. But I’m totally focused on what to do with Olympique de Marseille,” he told reporters.

“And yes, it’s a club with which I want to project myself into the future and I want to join in the long term.

“These are discussions that I had already had with the club before signing and I feel very comfortable there. And that’s why I want to continue to have fun at Olympique de Marseille.”

The 22-year old has been in exceptional form for Marseille this season in Ligue 1. His ever-presence in midfield has been a determining factor for Jorge Sampaoli’s men as he scored thrice and also came up with three assists in 13 appearances.

marseille are currently four in the Ligue 1 table behind league leaders Paris Saint Germain, Lens and Nice. marseille are only a point away from the second position. He has also featured in all four Europa League games for Marseille and though they have not been great they have a strong chance of reaching the knockouts if they win their next two matches in the group stage.