Sunderland have reportedly begun discussions with Lazio over a January move for former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, six years after his turbulent exit from the Emirates. Head coach Régis Le Bris, who coached Guendouzi during their time together at Lorient, hinted last month that the pair remained in contact — and journalist Sacha Tavolieri now claims that formal talks between the clubs are underway.
“I worked with him at Lorient, so we stay in touch. But it’s too early to talk about January,” Le Bris said in November when first asked about the Frenchman.
Guendouzi, now 26, is in his second season with Lazio after leaving Marseille, where he racked up over 100 appearances following his loan departure from Arsenal. He has featured regularly in Serie A this campaign, scoring twice in 13 outings, and Lazio are believed to value him at around €25m — far lower than the £45m figure once attached to him during his peak under Unai Emery.
His Arsenal story remains one of the most dramatic of the Arteta era. After playing 48 times in his debut season and becoming a near ever-present the following year, his role collapsed almost instantly when Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019. He played just three full matches under the new manager and was left out entirely for the final eight league fixtures of the season.
The breaking point came in June 2020 during a heated post-match confrontation with Brighton’s Neal Maupay. Reports at the time alleged he mocked Brighton players over wages — claims never officially proven — and his behaviour was said to have annoyed senior figures within the club. It later emerged that tensions had been simmering long before, with a training-ground clash during a Dubai camp prompting disciplinary action from Arteta and Edu.
From that moment on, Guendouzi never played for Arsenal again. Arteta repeatedly referenced his “non-negotiables”, and questions around Guendouzi’s attitude had been raised even earlier in his career. Former Arsenal and Lorient striker Jérémie Aliadière once admitted he was unsure whether the midfielder’s approach would translate to the top level.
A loan spell at Hertha Berlin offered mixed impressions too. Manager Pál Dárdai described him as “a rebel” going through “puberty”, while sporting director Arne Friedrich praised his bravery and willingness to take the ball under pressure.
Guendouzi has since admitted he made mistakes as a teenager but stands by his overall contribution in England. “I only worked with Arteta for six months. I was 19 and learning every day. I wouldn’t make the same mistakes now,” he told The Athletic.
“I have no regrets. I played 85 games for Arsenal by the time I was 21 — that’s a lot for a club of that size.”
Sunderland’s interest now raises the possibility of a fresh chapter in England for the midfielder whose career once promised so much — and still might again.