Arsenal are in talks to sign French U20 international Matteo Guendouzi from FC Lorient this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The transfer centre newsreel (08/07/2018, 11.22) states that the defensive midfielder was previously on the radar of Tottenham and Manchester City (source: Sky Sports), but with the Gunners now in negotiations with the 19-year-old, it looks as though they are leading the race.
Guendouzi has a contract with the Ligue 2 side until next summer and has made a total of 30 appearances for the side with whom he has come through the ranks.
The Gunners are reportedly closing in on Sampdoria ace Lucas Torreira (source: Sky Sports), who also plays in the centre of the park as new manager Unai Emery looks to address his defensive issues.
Good move for Arsenal?
At 19, it is unlikely that Guendouzi will be heading straight into the Arsenal side as Emery’s summer signings show all the signs that he is looking for experienced heads to steer the Gunners back to the top four.
It is far more likely that the young Frenchman will be one for the future but he has boundless talent and energy in the midfield zone so it is no surprise to see that Spurs and Manchester City were both previously linked with the player.
While it would not be an immediately standout signing, it would be a fantastic coup for the future and one who is sure to feature prominently in the coming years.
This is Futbol verdict: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Emery has been heavily concentrating on the defensive frailties that have been exposed in the Premier League in recent years and after reinforcements to his rearguard, he also needs to add defensively sound players to his midfield zone as well.
Although Guendouzi is the kind of player the Gunners need, his youth will mean that as he wouldn’t go straight into the side and therefore, any move for the midfielder will take place in the next couple of years, not now.
This is Futbol verdict: 4/10