Matteo Guendouzi is reportedly keen on joining Atletico Madrid as part of the deal to take Thomas Partey to Arsenal.
Guendouzi has become somewhat a scapegoat at Arsenal after falling out of favor with manager Mikel Arteta. The 21-year-old has not featured for the Gunners since June and is likely to seek greener pastures in the coming weeks.
Valencia, Villarreal, and Sevilla have already expressed their interest in the French midfielder.
Unai Emery, who brought Guendouzi to Arsenal, is currently in charge of Villarreal. And the Spaniard wants a reunion with the highly-rated youngster.
However, the former Lorient starlet has other ideas. According to the Daily Mail, Guendouzi is eager to team up with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Thomas Partey. Arteta sees the 27-year-old holding midfielder as a perfect addition to his squad.
However, the Gunners are unable to meet the Ghanaian’s price tag that stands at £44million. That’s why they would like to include some players as a makeweight in the deal.
All of Arsenal’s previous attempts to strike a cash-plus-player deal have, however, fallen flat. But, Guendouzi could throw a lifeline to such a prospect.
After finding himself on the fringes at the Emirates, the French whizz-kid is understood to be keen on reigniting his career in Madrid.
The problem is Atletico are not interested in bringing him in for the time being.
In case he stays, Guendouzi could find his first-team opportunities at a premium. Arteta is determined to land Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.
If Arsenal do manage to pull the deal off, competition for places in north London will grow further.
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