Eddie Howe has been handed an early transfer blow at Newcastle United after on-loan Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi claimed he wants to stay at Marseille rather than return to the Premier League, speaking to Eurosport.
There has never been any question about Guendouzi’s ability.
You won’t find many 19-year-olds capable of joining one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs – from a team in the French second tier – before producing a debut performance full of poise and presence against none other than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Unfortunately for Guendouzi, steely eyed disciplinarian Mikel Arteta cares as much about attitude as he does ability.
And it was the fiery Frenchman’s tendency to court controversy on and off the pitch that sparked his premature demise at the Emirates, farmed out to Hertha Berlin before joining Marseille on a loan-to-buy deal in summer 2021.
Across the Channel, however, Guendouzi has evolved into a more mature, well-rounded footballer – and a more mature, well-rounded man.
Last week, FootMercato reported Newcastle, backed by their new owners, were eyeing a January bid for the 22-year-old.
Guendouzi, however, has his sights firmly fixed on securing a long-term contract at one of France’s biggest clubs.
Howe wants Arsenal’s Guendouzi at Newcastle United
“I am on loan and still tied to Arsenal but my focus is with Marseille,” said Guendouzi, who will cost L’OM a bargain £9 million.
“I want to sign on for the long term with Marseille as I feel very comfortable (here) – I want to continue to enjoy being at Marseille.”
It’s understood a commanding central midfielder is one of Howe’s top priorities heading into the January transfer window. Guendouzi, a highly talented ball-player capable of dictating tempo in the middle of the park, would have suited the former Bournemouth boss’s tactical blueprint to the tee.
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