ARSENAL outcast Matteo Guendouzi is reportedly closing in on a return to France with Marseille set to sign him on the cheap.
The 22-year-old spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Hertha Berlin after falling out with boss Mikel Arteta.
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Guendouzi hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in June 2020 where he grabbed Neal Maupay’s throat.
He then is said to have clashed with Arteta during a training camp in Dubai, with David Luiz then telling the youngster to ‘grow up’.
With just one year left on his contract at the Emirates, Arsenal are understood to be keen to offload the midfielder to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Guendouzi is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Marseille as he looks to head back to his native country after departing Lorient in 2018.
And according to Le10 Sport, his move to link up with Jorge Sampaoli’s side is edging closer following a breakthrough in negotiations.
They state that talks are progressing well after Arsenal agreed to lower their £17million asking price.
Marseille are unwilling to fork out that sum, and are instead only prepared to pay £10m.
A compromise between the two clubs is expected to be agreed imminently.
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Guendouzi had been linked with a switch to Portuguese giants Benfica, but it appears he has his heart set on a move to Marseille.
Arsenal are set to announce the arrival of left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica, and it had been reported that a potential swap deal could be on the cards.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano declared that the France youth international wasn’t interested in Benfica.
He tweeted: “Nuno Tavares to Arsenal, done deal and ‘here we go’ confirmed.
“Paperworks to be signed today between #AFC and Benfica board for €8m (£7m) + add-ons.
“Interest started during Guendouzi talks with Benfica – Tavares was part of potential swap deal… but Matteo wants to join OM.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
