Guendouzi has burned all bridges to Marseille - but he's lucky to learn that Lazio have faith in him

Matteo Guendouzi is anticipated to depart from Marseille during the current transfer window, mainly due to his diminished status under new manager Marcelino. His abysmal display in the UEFA Champions League qualifying match against PAOK, in which he gave away a penalty and later missed the crucial kick in the shoot-out, made him a persona non grata in the south of France.

But, as they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. The same goes with football teams and players.

Lazio started talks to bring the 24-year-old midfielder to Italy. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Marseille's initial demand for Guendouzi's transfer is around $22 million. However, the Italians are offering a sum in the region of $16 million, knowing that OM are pretty much desperate to offload the former Arsenal midfielder. The clubs are still discussing the price.

Despite Geoffrey Kondogbia's knee injury, Marcelino is still reluctant to trust the French international. Besides, moving to a club with a booked place in the Champions League is appealing to the man who cost OM a place in the competition they won in 1993.

Since his move from Arsenal in 2021, Guendouzi made 72 appearances in Ligue 1 for Marseille. During his time in North London with Arsenal, He featured in 57 Premier League matches.

Lazio faced the departure of the influential and long-serving midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who moved to Al-Hilal. In response, Lazio has brought in Daichi Kamada and Nicolo Rovella to strengthen their midfield ranks. However, adding another proven international is tempting for Maurizio Sarri.