KEY POINTS

  • The Magpies are ready to take a chance on Matteo Guendouzi if Arsenal agrees to a deal
  • Guendouzi may opt to stay in Marseille after getting his act together in Ligue 1
  • Newcastle is nearing a deal to name Eddie Howe as the new manager

After a year, Matteo Guendouzi appears to be back on track.

He had his forgettable moments at the Emirates Stadium, but it seems that Newcastle United could care less.

According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle United will attempt to possibly add the 22-year-old to the mix next summer. However, there are several things to consider.

The first one is if Arsenal is willing to deal out Guendouzi to the Magpies.

Despite his issues with the Gunners, particularly manager Mikel Arteta, the French footballer has been held on to for some reason.

The second thing worth considering is that Marseille allegedly plans to exercise its right to make Guendouzi’s loan move to Les Olympiens permanent.

The clause is worth £9.5 million ($12.8 million), and Jorge Sampaoli and company are reportedly planning to exercise it.

Given those scenarios, the good news is that Guendouzi has options heading into the summer.

After being forced to sit out as a disciplinary measure, not to mention failing to blend in with Arteta, the release clause is considered a bargain.

However, the final say could be at the hands of Guendouzi. It took him a while to recall his old form, and he got that when he joined Marseille.

Marseille is sitting at third in the Ligue 1 table. They have a good chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League–yet another milestone that could sway Guendouzi to stick around.

Hence, it would take much for the Magpies to try and sway a deal. Amanda Staveley and the club’s new owners are reportedly admirers of the France Under-21 star, and most know they have the funds to spend.

The interest in Guendouzi comes not long after the Magpies agreed in principle to have Eddie Howe on board as the club’s manager, The Guardian reported.

Matteo Guendouzi of Marseille
Matteo Guendouzi of Marseille Getty Images | Xavier Laine

Howe left a good impression when he was interviewed by Staveley last weekend.

However, Newcastle United opted to go with Unai Emery first. But the trajectory changed when the veteran coach had a change of heart last Tuesday, November 2.

Staveley and management immediately reconnected with Howe, and it appears only a few details remain to be ironed out.

An announcement is expected to be made as early as next week announcing Howe as Steve Bruce’s successor.

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