Regis Le Bris, Matteo Guendouzi, Sunderland
(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Getty Images)
Mick Brown
Tue 1 July 2025 10:54, UK
Sunderland are plotting a move to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as they eye further first-team reinforcements, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Regis Le Bris is the driving force behind the move for the 26-year-old.
Guendouzi, who was a young player at Lorient while Le Bris was the manager of their B team, is being considered to bolster their midfield and bring Premier League experience.
The France international made 82 appearances for Arsenal between 2018 and 2022 and has plenty of top-level experience after also playing in Germany, France and Italy.
The Black Cats are aiming to be ambitious in the transfer market with midfield reinforcements at the top of their list as things stand.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Sunderland are interested in signing Abdoulaye Doucoure on a free transfer after he left Everton.
Matteo Guendouzi is a target for Sunderland. (Credit: Getty Images)
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Sunderland plot Matteo Guendouzi signing after Aston Villa reveal
Guendouzi has long been linked with a return to the Premier League, as Football Insider revealed in June 2024 that Aston Villa held preliminary talks over a deal.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Le Bris is now keen to link up with his former player in what could be an ambitious move.
“Sunderland are having a look at Matteo Guendouzi,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s got a bit of Premier League experience and has been playing at the top level in Europe for a while, so it would be a good deal for them.
“Sunderland are in a position where they feel they need to strengthen their squad.
“They need Premier League-level players and to get those you have to be ambitious in the market.
“A lot of it will depend on what sort of fee his club are going to demand for him.
“The manager is playing a big role in their recruitment so far and did the same when they were in the Championship, he appears to have good relationships in France.
“He’s worked with Guendouzi before and he’s going to be the driving force behind the move.
“He knows what he can do, knows what he’ll bring to the squad, and he’ll have a good idea about where he’ll fit in the team if he does come in.
“After his time at Arsenal, they’re ready to give him another chance in the Premier League.”
Sunderland Regis Le Bris
Regis Le Bris is enjoying an ambitious transfer window. (Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Japhet Tanganga update emerges amid Leeds, Burnley interest
As part of their busy summer transfer plans, the Black Cats are also weighing up a move to sign Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga.
Football Insider revealed on 16 June that Millwall are resigned to losing Tanganga with the promoted trio of Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley all interested.
The centre-back has a £1.2million release clause in his contract at The Den and is believed to be keen to make the step up to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider last month that Tanganga will push to leave Millwall, with South London rivals Crystal Palace unlikely to be among his suitors.
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