Lazio Open to Selling Sunderland Target Who Is No Longer ‘Untouchable’ | OneFootball

Sunderland have received a boost in their hopes to sign Matteo Guendouzi, as Lazio are reportedly willing to negotiate.

The Background

The 26-year-old joined the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2023 and rapidly cemented himself as a regular starter. The former Arsenal and Olympique Marseille star is considered a key player in Maurizio Sarri’s plans, and the management could be open to sale in January.

Lazio Willing to Sell Matteo Guendouzi for the Right Offer

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio has not been satisfied with Guendouzi’s displays this season, as they were expecting him to take his game up a notch, both technically and mentally. Instead, the 26-year-old’s performances have been lukewarm, and his avoidable yellow card against Cremonese left Sarri with a completely depleted midfield ahead of the weekend’s trip to Udine.

Matteo Guendouzi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

This isn’t the first time the Frenchman has let Sarri down with an ill-advised behavior, as he had already earned himself a red card in the Derby della Capitale after the final whistle. Therefore, the Roman newspaper believes that the Paris Saint-Germain youth product is no longer considered ‘untouchable’, as Lazio would be open to cashing in on him if they were to receive an offer worth €20-25 million.

Why Lazio Must Sell in January

It should be noted that the Biancocelesti remain in a delicate financial situation. Even if they manage to lift the transfer ban ahead of January, they must raise funds to avoid another ban ahead of next summer, as the cost ratio will drop from 80% to 70%. Hence, it remains to be seen if the club will be able to adhere to the required parameters.

Will Sunderland Pounce on Guendouzi?

As for Guendouzi, he is reported to be one of the main targets for Sunderland ahead of the January transfer window. The Black Cats’ manager, Regis Le Bris, had overseen the midfielder’s development during their time together at Lorient, and he has publicly admitted his interest in a reunion.