Arsenal are interested in Matteo Guendouzi and are reportedly in talks with FC Lorient to bring the Tottenham target over to the Premier League.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Matteo Guendouzi. The Gunners are interested in the FC Lorient youngster and are moving in to bring him to the Premier League. In fact, according to David Ornstein, the player, also a target for Tottenham, is set for a medical at Arsenal today.
Two medicals taking place at Arsenal today – 22-year-old Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria and 19-year-old France Under-20 midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from Lorient. Torreira key signing for immediate term, Guendouzi high-potential prospect for future #AFC #URU #FRA
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) July 9, 2018
Matteo Guendouzi is a 19-year-old midfielder. Emanating from the FC Lorient youth setup, the youngster was able to break through into the senior setup in 2016. And in the 2017-18 campaign, Guendouzi has established himself as a regular at the club.
FC Lorient’s relegation to Ligue 2, in a way, aided Guendouzi’s rise to being a regular face in the first-team setup. The 19-year-old managed a total of 21 appearances over the course of the season and has impressed with his performances in the middle of the park.
Guendouzi also made his French Under-20 bow in November, 2017. Things have been on the up-and-up for the Frenchman. And according to the reports, they are about to improve further. Arsenal and Tottenham have both been credited with interest in the midfielder.
At Tottenham, Mousa Dembele is likely to leave the club next season, if not this summer. While Mauricio Pochettino does have Harry Winks as an option, he does not have the guile to play the holding midfield role. Guendouzi would act as a cover for Dembele this season and be the understudy. The 19-year-old would then be able to take over from the Belgian after gaining a year of experience.
#AFC | 19yr old 6’1 Defensive Midfielder who can also play in Central Midfield. Man City and Spurs were also interested.
‘Guendouzi has a similar playing style to PSG’s Adrien Rabiot. He is calm in possession and effective at breaking up play’ – (via HITC). pic.twitter.com/BBrQ7hgon5
— Chris Davison (@cdavison_afc) July 8, 2018
Arsenal, on the other hand, could use a player like Matteo Guendouzi right away. The holding midfield is a position that has been barren for years at Emirates. While Santi Cazorla did manage to do a good job in what was not his natural position, the others have not impressed as much.
Granit Xhaka is Arsenal’s best player in the role and the Swiss himself is a box-to-box midfielder while also being prone to the odd moments of eccentricity.
Arsenal have been looking at Jean Michael Seri. The player is reportedly in England amid reports that he could be in for a medical in London, at either Arsenal or Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Guendouzi will be a brilliant coup for Arsenal. The reports iterate that Arsenal are able to land him for as little as £7 million, which will be an absolute steal judging by the current market condition.
If David Ornstein’s report is anything to go by, Arsenal are set to announce two deals. Both Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi will be having medicals today. Considering the combined fees of the two transfers is under £40 million, this will be an amazing piece of transfer business for Unai Emery and the club.
