Arsenal's French connection swayed Matteo Guendouzi's decision to sign

Matteo Guendouzi has revealed that Arsenal’s French connection swayed his decision to join the north London club over the summer.

Guendouzi, 19, arrived at the Emirates from Lorient for a fee of £7million in July and has quickly impressed Arsenal fans with manager Unai Emery showing the faith to throw him in from the off, starting the first five Premier League games of the season.

French stars such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires all shone together at Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s reign, and Guendouzi has revealed that their success at the club played a big role in him joining the club over other top sides, including Paris Saint-Germain.

"It is true that PSG were very interested, like other teams, there were a lot of discussions," Guendouzi told Canal Football Club. "But for me the best decision I could make was to join Arsenal.

"Once they positioned themselves, I didn’t hesitate, I orientated myself in that direction.

"I think when I was young I watched a lot of Arsenal, but the fact that there are a lot of French guys there played a big role."

The Gunners are now 21 games unbeaten in all competitions under Emery following early defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, and Guendouzi added that the Spaniard was the driving force behind Arsenal’s interest over the summer.

"He [Emery] was definitely a reason why I went. It was him who really wanted me to come to Arsenal.

"He is a very good manager, we have done very good results since the beginning of the season with him.

"He doesn’t come across as feeling under particular pressure, he is just doing what he loves to do. He has transmitted that to us on the pitch and that is why we are getting the results we are getting."