Newcastle United are reportedly favourites to sign Matteo Guendouzi and bring the French midfielder back to the Premier League.
Speculation continues to grow over Sandro Tonali's future at St James' Park, with Juventus and Inter Milan thought to be keen. The Italian was one of the Magpies' standout performers this season and the club are keen on tying him down to a new contract.
Newcastle appear to have a plan in place should the 25-year-old push for a return to Italy this summer. Eddie Howe may turn to Guendouzi who has been on their radar, and Lazio's failure to qualify for Europe has fueled further suggestions a move could take place.
Newcastle Lead Race For Guendouzi
Lazio want £33m for the Frenchman
Guendouzi is a player familiar to Newcastle having previously spent time at Arsenal in the Premier League. The 26-year-old struggled to reach expectations at the Emirates but has impressed since departing in the summer of 2022.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) reports that the Magpies are in "pole position" to sign him and that Lazio's asking price is £33m (€40m). He has three years left on his contract, and there are suggestions of a twist involving the player using transfer talk to improve his position in renewal negotiations.
Guendouzi is supposedly one of the players who could be sold at the Stadio Olimpico following the Serie A side's failure to qualify for Europe. His stock has grown since leaving England three summers ago, but there were a few occasions he caught the eye in the Premier League.
Matteo Guendouzi in Serie A 2024-25
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Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Robert Pires hailed him as a "warrior" after his display in a 2-2 North London Derby comeback draw. That was one of 82 senior appearances for the Gunners, and he otherwise left much to be admired.
That hasn't been the case at Marseille and now at Lazio but if Newcastle are looking at him as a Tonali replacement he'll have a massive point to prove. But there are similarities between the pair that could be enticing Howe to give the 12-cap France international some consideration.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 30.05.2025
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