Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not included Matteo Guendouzi in first-team training since their disagreement in the aftermath of the Brighton defeat over two weeks ago.
The spaniard has dropped Guendouzi for the Gunners’ last four games after the midfielder clashed with Brighton’s Neal Maupay during Arsenal’s loss on June 20.
The Gunners boss last month alluded to “internal issues” which have seen the French midfielder miss those matches; all of which have been won by the north Londoners.
And The Athletic has claimed that Guendouzi has been training alone with a fitness coach after the boss seemingly ran out of patience with his player.
It is claimed that Arteta and technical director Edu were left unimpressed after holding a crisis meeting with the player following the Brighton incident.
Guendouzi had also drawn Arteta’s ire during the mid-season trip to Dubai in February – but returned to the line-up after being given a second chance by his boss.
But it seems Arteta has been left frustrated by Guendouzi’s response to his latest punishment.
The publication also claims that the boss, while aware that the midfielder possesses undoubted talent, is frustrated that the midfielder is yet to apologise.
Arsenal, it has been suggested, have also explored the possibility of using him in a swap deal in the summer transfer window.
Club chiefs are expected to meet with Guendouzi’s representatives in the coming days to discuss the situation.
Last month Arteta declared: “Whatever internal issues we have we will deal with them privately and I am never going to make any of that public.
“All the players that are here, I am counting on them. If they want on the boat, they are more than welcome and that’s always my mindset.”
Arteta has refused to answer questions as to why Guendouzi, after escaping a Football Association ban for grabbing Brighton striker Maupay around the throat, has not even made the bench since.
But, pushed to explain what his “on the boat” comment meant, Arteta explained the situation ahead of the win over Wolves.
He said: “Players that respect the values we want to implement, that they are 100 per cent committed to our culture, and players that are accountable every day for what we demand from them.
“Players that are ready to help each other, fight for each other and enjoy playing together.
“That is what I mean by being on the boat. If you behave like this every day, you are very very welcome here and we want to get the best out of you and help you to enjoy your profession with us.”