Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi wants a return to the Premier League but will turn down Sunderland’s advances.
The Frenchman left the Gunners permanently in 2022 to join Marseille and eventually signed for Lazio two years later.
Now reports in Italian publication Corriere dello Sport suggest Guendouzi is eager to return to England, and the Italian club will sanction a transfer to help raise funds.
He made 82 appearances for Arsenal, who have been linked with Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Sunderland want to sign Matteo Guendouzi
Speaking to Italian radio station RadioSei, journalist Giulio Cardone suggests the impressive Black Cats have already made an offer thought to top around £21.5million.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has overperformed in the Premier League this season, and currently occupy ninth.
Le Bris and Guendouzi have worked together previously, when the former was manager of Lorient.
However, Guendouzi has little desire to make the switch to Wearside because he would rather play for a club challenging in European competitions.
Cardone said: “Sunderland made a significant offer for Guendouzi, worth €25million.
“The first person (Lazio manager) Sarri wants to veto is the Frenchman. Guendouzi would like to go to England right now, but not to Sunderland: he wants something more.”
His availability is likely to have numerous clubs on alert, with Guendouzi also targeting regular football to help increase his chances of making France’s World Cup squad.
Guendouzi is a regular starter for the Serie A side, who are currently struggling in 10th spot.
Why Lazio need to sell players
Lazio are currently under a transfer embargo, meaning they are not able to sign any new players until they raise cash.
In March, the club failed to meet major financial parameters in Italy, which include the liquidity index and debt.
The liquidity index measures the cash-flow status of a club and its ability to source money to pay for outstanding bills.
Where could Guendouzi end up?
If Guendouzi wants to join a side that is playing in Europe or has European ambitions, the options are limited in the Premier League.
A move to a Champions League club will be highly unlikely, although Newcastle will have money to spend in January.
Aston Villa are well stocked in midfield, but Crystal Palace, who are playing in the Conference League, could be a potential option depending on the future of Adam Wharton.
The midfield maestro is being linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with Manchester United and Real Madrid potential destinations.
It’s unlikely he’ll move in the January window, meaning Palace will have plenty of time to source his long-term replacement.
