Newcastle United are interested in Matteo Guendouzi as they could make a move for the Arsenal midfielder in the summer transfer window.
According to Footmercato, Newcastle United are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who is currently out on loan at French Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Marseille, in the summer transfer window.
Matteo Guendouzi was a surprise signing that Arsenal made in 2018 after bringing in Unai Emery to replace Arsene Wenger. The midfielder, 19 at the time, hit the ground running with some impressive displays in midfield. He soon became a regular under the Spanish manager and endeared himself to the fanbase for his aggressive displays.
Things looked good for the youngster, as many lauded the move as a bargain signing. Guendouzi helped Arsenal reach the Europa League final and achieve a fifth-place finish in the Premier League in his debut season. However, things went downhill for the Frenchman since Mikel Arteta replaced Emery at the helm.
After a loss to Brighton, the pair fell out when Guendouzi was involved in an on-field fracas with compatriot Neal Maupay. Arteta was displeased with the midfielder’s reaction and banished him from the first team.
He was shipped off to Hertha Berlin on loan for the 2020/21 season, following which joined Marseille on another temporary deal this past summer. The French side have an option to buy the 22-year-old midfielder for a fee of €11 million. The Ligue 1 club are confident they will be exercising that option at the end of the season.
Guendouzi has become a key part of Jorge Sampaoli’s setup at Marseille, and his performances have resulted in a call up to the French national side. While his future looks away from north London, it might not be Marseille that he ends up in the long term.
Newcastle are showing a keen interest in the Frenchman, as they line up a summer move for the midfielder. The Magpies are targeting several high profile names in the next windows as they embark on a massive rebuild of their squad after the conclusion of the high profile takeover by the Saudi PIF.
The Magpies have no shortage of funds to spend on quality players and regard Guendouzi as a key target. They plan to make a swoop for the 22-year-old in the summer and could hold talks over a move with Arsenal or Marseille themselves as the French side will likely sign him permanently at the end of the season.
It remains to be seen what sort of fee the French club might demand for Guendouzi, who is rising in stature. Newcastle hoped to pair the midfielder with former Arsenal boss Emery at St James’ Park, although the Spaniard has rejected the offer to become their new manager.
For the long term future, Newcastle represent a good option from a footballer’s point of view. With ample funds, they might be able to assemble a top-quality side and challenge for trophies in the coming years. Will Guendouzi be a part of this group is a question that will be answered next summer.
