Newcastle United are not seriously chasing Matteo Guendouzi this summer, which could pave the way for Sunderland to make their move.
According to Football Insider, Matteo Guendouzi is not a serious target for Newcastle United despite links to the 26-year-old former Arsenal man. Sunderland are the ones who are chasing the France international with some purpose, as the Magpies could opt for another midfield profile in this market.
Matteo Guendouzi has long been linked with a return to the Premier League, but so far, the Frenchman has not found a route back to England. This summer, there have been considerable links to top-flight clubs, which could very well result in a transfer for the midfielder.
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri wants to keep Guendouzi, although a good enough offer could tempt the 26-year-old former Arsenal man to make his return to England. Newcastle United and Aston Villa were linked, with the former were seen as serious suitors to sign the Frenchman.
However, it appears Newcastle United are not very serious about the prospect of signing Guendouzi; instead, they could pursue another midfield profile. Conor Gallagher is a potential target for the Magpies, and there are chances for the England international to leave Atletico Madrid after one year there.
The Magpies believe they have suitable profiles in their current squad, which renders Guendouzi as someone who may not improve their existing quality. Gallagher, on the other hand, allows Edie Howe to add a player different from his present midfielders, with the Englishman’s energetic displays a key aspect.
Sunderland could have a pathway to Matteo Guendouzi
As Newcastle United are more or less out of the running for the 26-year-old former Arsenal man, it appears Sunderland are serious about signing him. They are keen on another former Gunners star, Granit Xhaka, as it remains to be seen whether manager Regis Le Bris wants to reunite the pair or sign one of them.
Sunderland are moving with purpose in this window to secure key targets upon their return to the Premier League after a long while. Whether they can persuade Guendouzi remains to be seen, as there’s the potential for the midfielder to see a move to the newly-promoted side as a downgrade of sorts.
