Arsenal’s Guendouzi Gets First France Call-Up, Dashes Morocco Hopes

A first for Mattéo Guendouzi. As part of the Blues’ Euro 2020 qualifying matches, the Arsenal midfielder will replace the injured Paul Pogba. The French national team will face Albania on September 7 and then Andorra on September 10.

Guendouzi, 20, is a pillar of the "Espoirs" selection. Born to a Moroccan father and a French mother, he has never hidden his desire to represent France rather than Morocco.

Last year, as the press bombarded him with questions about his choice, he had replied that his wish was to have a good season with Arsenal and to join the French team. "For now, I’m really focused on my goals with Arsenal," he said. "I’m not rushing, things will come if they’re meant to. But of course, (the French team, ed.), it’s a dream for me. I’ll do everything to get there one day. If I succeed, it would be extraordinary." This is now the case. Good luck, Mattéo!