A former Arsenal star Mikel Arteta sold for just £9million, could make a surprise transfer back to the Premier League, according to reports.
While no new signings have been confirmed yet, Arsenal have been busy this summer transfer window, especially with regards to their midfield.
They are set to buy Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard from Brentford, who will replace the released Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Another Premier League side overhauling their midfield is newly-promoted Sunderland who have the difficult task of replacing Jobe Bellingham, who was sold to Borussia Dortmund.
To do so, it has been widely-reported that the Black Cats will pay a club-record £30.5m to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.
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The highly-rated 21-year-old was also a target for Leeds, Brighton and Everton, and notably scored for Senegal in their historic win over England earlier this month.
But French outlet RMC Sport claim that Sunderland are also interested in signing Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi who spent two years at the Emirates.
Guendouzi knows Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris well having worked with him at Lorient but it remains to be seen whether the France international would consider a transfer.
The 26-year-old only moved to Lazio on a permanent deal last summer and is considered a key player, but the Serie A club may be forced to sell due its financial situation.
Signed by Unai Emery in 2018 for £7m, Guendouzi quickly established himself in Arsenal’s first-team despite his tender years, going onto make 82 appearances for the club in two seasons.
Matteo Guendouzi Arsenal stats
Appearances: 82
Goals: 1
Assists: 5
Yellow cards: 20
Red Cards: 1
It was expected that he would become a key player for the Gunners for many years to come but he fell out with Arteta after multiple disciplinary issues on the training ground.
The final straw came in June 2020 following a post-match altercation with Brighton’s Neal Maupay, during which he grabbed the striker’s throat, with Arteta exiling Guendouzi from training.
Guendouzi would never again play for Arsenal, loaned out to Hertha Berlin and Marseille before leaving for good in 2022, and upon departing north London said: ‘I will never forget any minute spent with the Gunners jersey.
‘I will never forget the Emirates Stadium. I will never forget the fans. I won’t forget the city. I will never forget everything I’ve been through here. I will never forget that my only will was to defend with pride Arsenal colours.
‘Thanks to all of those who believed in me during my time here, during the good and the bad moments. I can only wish the best to the club and its fan who deserve so much, trust me!
‘Goodbye Arsenal, I will never forget you and will be a Gooner forever.’
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