Sunderland Eyeing January Swoop For This Former Arsenal Midfielder: Why Le Bris Must Script A Reunion | OneFootball

If a report from Il Messaggero (as cited by Sunderland Echo) is believed to be true, Sunderland are keeping close tabs on Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi ahead of a potential January transfer. Aston Villa are also in the mix, but the Frenchman’s past tenure under Regis Le Bris at Lorient’s youth setup makes the Black Cats his preferred destination if they step up their interest in the coming days.

The 26-year-old Les Bleus international progressed through Paris St-Germain’s academy ranks before joining the Merlucciidaes in 2014. After a brief stint with the reserves, Guendouzi secured a first-team status in Lorient. Arsenal, convinced by his promises and potential, splashed £7m to secure his services in the summer of 2018.

Despite featuring regularly under Unai Emery, his minutes were reduced following Mikel Arteta’s appointment as the Gunners’ chief. An array of on and off-field issues related to attitude and general conduct did not help him either. Still, successive loan successes with Hertha BSC and Marseille eventually earned him a £9m permanent move to The Phocaeans, scripting a return to his homeland.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Jinathan David during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

However, Lazio came calling a couple of summers ago, tying him down on a season-long loan with a conditional option-to-buy clause for a fee in the region of €15m plus €3m in add-ons. He has been the driving force in the Eagles’ midfield since plying his trade in Rome, but the club’s financial instability could lead to his winter exit.

Why A Move To Sunderland Suits All Parties Involved

The Premier League duo made inquiries for the £26.5m-rated midfield maestro in the summer window. Despite being known as notorious negotiators, Lazio could soften their stance if Villa and Sunderland rekindle their respective pursuits next year. Guendouzi would relish the opportunity of a second spell in English football, particularly with the Black Cats, having spoken highly of Le Bris back in May after he guided the Wearsiders to the top-flight via a dramatic playoff final victory against Sheffield United.

Sunderland’s blistering Premier League run should make him even more eager to reunite not only with Le Bris but also with Granit Xhaka, his former midfield partner at Arsenal, who has been a revelation in the middle of the park. The Swiss veteran is still going strong at 33 and has been accompanied by the other summer arrivals, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.

Having said that, both Diarra and Sadiki are too young to take charge of the midfield game in Xhaka’s absence. Guendouzi would step in with his profound experience of the top European leagues and could also succeed Xhaka in the long run. The current turmoil at Lazio has cost him his place in Didier Deschamps’ plans, but a spell in England might see the French ace reclaim a spot before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.