On Friday, Corriere dello Sport reported Sunderland have overtaken Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the race for Matteo Guendouzi.
This came after Black Cats manager Regis Le Bris said he still speaks to the Lazio player, after their time at Lorient.
Not everyone in Italy is convinced that Le Bris would be able to convince Guedouzi.
La Repubblica’s Giulio Cardone has spoken to RadioSeiLazio about the France international’s future. He believes Guendouzi would likely rather join Newcastle United, or Aston Villa.
He said, relayed by Lazialita: “Yesterday, the Sunderland manager made an important statement. There’s significant interest from the English club.”
Cardone insists Guendouzi’s own desire would pose a threat to Le Bris’ side.
“The problem, more than Lazio’s asking price, is the player’s desire. Perhaps the Frenchman is expecting a bigger team, like Aston Villa or Newcastle. Lazio wouldn’t close the door on a transfer, but they would need €25-30 million.”
Both the Magpies and Villans currently offer European football. Even though Sunderland are vying for a spot inside the top six, the other two clubs are perhaps a better bet.
Interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United seems genuine. Corriere dello Sport have reported on Friday that the two clubs have made initial contact.
While the Black Cats are an exciting project, Guendouzi has been playing European football regularly since his time at Arsenal. Perhaps he wants that again.
