Arsenal are yet to sign a new midfielder. The Gunners are in desperate need of additions in the centre of their park and, if reports are to be believed, they have their targets ready.
Lyon’s Houssem Aouar (RMC Sport) and Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey (Telegraph) are Arsenal’s priority targets in this window. The chances of the Gunners signing both are pretty slim, but one of them is a serious possibility.
However, Arsenal have to get players out before they can bring new ones in. Lucas Torreira is reportedly on the verge of signing for Atletico Madrid, (Goal) which frees up some space in Arteta’s midfield.
Matteo Guendouzi, however, is the midfielder Arsenal have been trying to get rid of for a few months now. The Frenchman has fallen out of favour at the Emirates after his antics in the game against Brighton last season.
The former Lorient man has been linked with a number of top clubs, but no deal materialised. Ligue 1 runners-up from last season, Marseille, were the latest side linked with a move for Guendouzi.
Foot Mercato claimed earlier this week that Andre Villas-Boas’ side enquired about the possibility of signing the Arsenal man on loan. Guendouzi wants out of the Emirates after falling out with Arteta, but the Gunners want him gone permanently, not on loan.
It looks like that report was merely just another rumour. L’Equipe claim today that the leaders of Marseille have ‘vigorously denied’ any interest in the French midfielder, and he will not be joining them in this window.
It will be difficult for Guendouzi to find a new club
The report reveals that Guendouzi’s agents are still looking at options to get their client out of the Emirates. The Frenchman thinks there is no way back for him at Arsenal under Arteta and a move away is the only logical option.
However, with just three days left in the transfer window, a move looks very difficult. Guendouzi might just have to get his head down and win Arteta’s trust again. But that just might not happen, especially if Arsenal sign someone like Partey by Monday.
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