Arsenal set for summer transfer fund boost as Matteo Guendouzi makes permanent Marseille switch

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 9:19 pm GMT+1

Matteo Guendouzi has completed a permanent move away from Arsenal.

Guendouzi joined Arsenal in the summer of 2018, following a stint in the second tier of French football.

And, despite his age and limited experience at the top level, the Frenchman showcased clear signs of promise early in his Gunners career.

However, the now 21-year-old’s form proved somewhat erratic, with Guendouzi having even been compared to a headless chicken due to his non-stop style.

Nevertheless, when Mikel Arteta first took the reins at Arsenal, the youngster was afforded plenty of game-time.

This was only until he was accused of taunting several Brighton stars over finances during a meeting back in June of 2020. In turn, Guendouzi was not afforded a single appearance over the closing months of the delayed 2019/20 campaign.

The midfielder would then be loaned to German outfit Hertha Berlin for the 2020/21 campaign before then joining Marseille on loan this past summer.

The move to Marseille came with an option to buy and now, as per reports stemming from France, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has confirmed on an RMC Sport show that the French midfielder has met clauses in his loan deal that will see him sign a three-year contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

It is believed Arsenal will net around £9m from the permanent sale of Guendouzi.

Arsenal’s summer targets

A relatively small sum in today’s inflated market, but it will still be a welcome addition to Arsenal’s transfer funds as they are no doubt going to be in the market for a few players this summer.

The two main areas Arsenal need to improve upon are at centre-forward and in central midfield.

The Gunners are currently set to lose Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah for nothing this summer, whilst they could do with some fresh legs in midfielder also – especially if Arsenal are playing in Europe again next season, which currently seems likely.