Arsenal have been left red-faced by player Mikel Arteta axed for £9m, his value has rocketed

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One former Arsenal player is proving that sometimes, the grass is greener away from the Emirates.

Players come and go, with some leaving more of an impact on clubs than others.

Mikel Arteta’s first-ever Arsenal XI has changed significantly, with the manager putting his stamp on the squad over his five-and-a-half-year stay in North London.

Arteta has made some players even better, as seen through their estimated market values, while others have found sanctuary away from the Spaniard’s regimented project.

On the subject of player values, one former Gunner is really showing his worth since being axed by Arteta.

Matteo Guendouzi’s market value has soared

In 2022, Arsenal cashed in on Matteo Guendouzi, who, at the start of his career in the Premier League, looked like he’d be a big hit.

The Frenchman wowed when Unai Emery was in charge, but when there was a changing of the guard at the Emirates, things took a turn.

Arteta didn’t appreciate Guendouzi’s attitude, which ultimately led the now 26-year-old to the beginning of the end of his Arsenal career.

Arteta didn’t want the midfielder to play a role in his project, and it’s fair to say that it was a blessing in disguise for the player.

Guendouzi has hugely impressed since leaving Arsenal, now playing for Lazio, where he sports a high market value.

According to CIES Football Observatory’s updated player valuations, Guendouzi is worth between €31m and €41m. 

The France international’s value at Lazio reflects a figure far greater than the mere £9m fee Arsenal sold him for three years ago.

Guendouzi’s rapid rise and fall at Arsenal 

In the case of Guendouzi, some things truly do happen for a reason.

There was never going to be a solution between him and Arteta, which closed his Arsenal chapter and opened doors to become the player he is today. 

In an interview with beIN Sports in October 2022, Guendouzi revealed the truth behind his relationship with Arteta and why he left Arsenal.

“It’s true that I didn’t have the best relationship with him. Beyond that, I always tried to work, always gave the maximum of myself in training and in matches. I still play a few matches with him, I still did great performances.

“He preferred other players and I respect that decision. That’s why, afterwards, I also decided to leave because I was still young, I needed playing time to continue to progress. The most important when you’re young is to play.”

Arteta won’t be losing sleep over Guendouzi; however, his sale price and growing market value only reinforce how poor Arsenal are at cashing in on players.