Newcastle United have reignited their interest in Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, according to reports in Italy.
TMW claim that Sunderland had been the favourites to sign the Frenchman but the Magpies have recently returned to the race for his services.
It is believed that manager Eddie Howe wants to shore up his options in the middle of the park.
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The formidable trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have not been as effective so far this season, and most have attributed that to playing more games.
There are other options in the squad, including Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, but it seems Guendouzi is being considered to strengthen that position in January.
Lazio have set their price
Guendouzi‘s performances this season have not met expectations, and funds need to be raised to improve the squad when the transfer window reopens.
It means that Lazio would be open to selling the 26-year-old for the right price. TMW report that a fee between €25m (£22m) and €30m (£26m) would probably be enough to secure the player’s signature in the New Year.
Newcastle will be aware of Guendouzi’s disciplinary issues
It should be pointed out that the France international’s professionalism has been questioned in the past. He had a famous falling out with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after a clash with Brighton striker Neal Maupay.
Within months, Guendouzi had been sent on loan to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. He was then shipped out to Marseille on a temporary basis too, before eventually moving to the Ligue One side permanently in the summer of 2022 for £9m.
Marseille sold him on for a profit a couple of years later, and Lazio had managed to get the best out of him up until recently. We shall see if Guendouzi does end up returning to the Premier League.
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here