Arsenal could receive huge transfer windfall as former Gunners star 'linked with exit'

Arsenal could receive a huge transfer windfall from the sale of Matteo Guendouzi this summer, according to a new report.

Guendouzi signed for the Gunners in the summer of 2018, with the 19-year-old joining from French side Lorient.

He made 48 appearances for the club in his first season under Unai Emery. The France U21 captain was even nominated for the European Golden Boy award, a sign of his increasing ability and undoubted potential.

But things began to unravel for the box-to-box midfielder in his second season at the Emirates Stadium.

According to Goal reporter Charles Watts, it was a 'clash of personalities' between new boss Mikel Arteta and Guendouzi that played a role in the Frenchman's departure.

Watts claimed that Guendouzi 'crossed the line twice' in the view of Arteta, and that the Spaniard was angry with his player's refusal to apologise for an incident which saw him grab Brighton striker Neal Maupay by the throat during a game.

The midfielder moved to Marseille in 2021, initially on loan, before the deal was made permanent last summer, with Arsrnal adding a sell-on clause into the transfer. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, he is now valued at €50 million by the French club

But Guendouzi could now make a Premier League return - which would financially benefit Arsenal.

Arsenal could land major windfall

According to French outlet L'Equipe, Marseille may consider selling the 23-year-old this summer, despite him having played 27 times in Ligue 1 this term.

It is claimed by RMC reporter Stephane Guy that manager Igor Tudor does not hold "great esteem" for the midfielder, which may pique the interest of Premier League side Aston Villa.

The Villans, now managed by ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery, reportedly made an approach for Guendouzi in January, but were unsuccessful in attempting to lure him to Villa Park.

Journalist Matthieu Gregoire has claimed that the Frenchman rejected the opportunity as he preferred to wait for a summer move.

He said (quotes via Birmingham Mail): "The Guendouzi clan, the player and OM all are clearly planning an exit this summer. In the sense that it's a career plan.

"He received a very nice contract offer from Aston Villa, but he didn't want to exit through the back door in the January window. He'd rather leave this summer and, at Marseille, they think he will be one of the very nice sales this summer."

News of a potential departure could pique the interest of Villa once again, and Arsenal will surely be keeping one eye on developments.