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Fresh reports from Italy have added an unexpected turn to the future of Matteo Guendouzi, with the Lazio midfielder’s stance on a January switch now clearer. Although the 26-year-old is open to returning to the Premier League, he is *not* keen on joining Sunderland — despite claims the Wearside club have tabled a hefty €25 million offer (around £21.5m).
Sunderland and Newcastle United have both been tracking Guendouzi in recent months. Back in November, *Corriere dello Sport* detailed how the rival clubs were monitoring the Frenchman as Lazio — under a temporary transfer registration ban last summer — look to offload valuable players to balance their finances. With the Italian side needing to generate funds, Guendouzi has become one of the prime names expected to attract major interest.
Italian journalist Giulio Cardone revealed on RadioSei, via *Lazialità*, that Sunderland have indeed submitted a major bid for the former Arsenal midfielder. However, he added that Guendouzi is holding out for a club competing at European level.
Cardone said: “Sunderland made a significant offer for Guendouzi, worth €25million. Sarri’s first instinct is to block the sale, but Guendouzi wants a move to England — just not to Sunderland. He wants something more.”
With the player eager to cement his place in France’s setup ahead of the next World Cup, Champions League or Europa League football is said to be a key priority for him. Lazio themselves sit outside the European spots, increasing the chances of a transfer if a top-tier club steps forward. A Premier League return is still very much on the table, which keeps clubs like Newcastle United in the conversation should official interest arise.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are expected to keep searching for midfield reinforcements this January. Unless Guendouzi has a change of heart, their recruitment focus may soon shift to alternative options.
Injury Update From Régis Le Bris
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed that midfielder Habib Diarra is poised to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby. Despite making good progress after groin surgery, the 21-year-old is not expected to recover in time for the clash with Newcastle United.
However, Le Bris delivered more positive news regarding Reinildo, who is likely to be available after missing the 3–0 defeat to Manchester City due to a groin problem. *“For Rei, it could be okay, but for Habib it would be too short,” Le Bris explained.
The Black Cats will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki ready for Sunday’s derby after both avoided suspensions during the trip to the Etihad. The pair were withdrawn late in the game to ensure their availability, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra brought on in their place.
Le Bris also clarified why he didn’t introduce Dan Neil, stating that he wanted to maintain attacking momentum and pushed Lutsharel Geertruida into midfield instead.
*“We tried to stay in the game and create something. Using more offensive players was the idea. It didn’t work, but we attempted it,”* he added.
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