Despite interest from more clubs, Matteo Guendouzi still wants to join Marseille, but Arsenal and the Ligue 1 club are struggling to find an agreement that works for both parties.

Over the past couple of days, it was reported that both Benfica and Borussia Dortmund hoped to take advantage of Marseille’s struggles in finding an agreement with Arsenal for Matteo Guendouzi, despite the player reportedly agreeing a four-year deal.

The player could have had his head turned by Dortmund, at least, but its seems he only wants to move to Marseille, which is no doubt hamstringing Arsenal. When a player only wants one club, it minimises your ability to get a deal that is favourable as the buying club know you want to sell and would prefer not to be left with an unwanted player.

The sticking point appears to be one that is unlikely to go Arsenal’s way. Arsenal want £20m for Guendouzi. Marseille want a loan.

The likely outcome is a loan with an option to buy at a pre-agreed price, unlikely to be the £20m Arsenal want, but at least they won’t have to worry about paying Guendouzi’s wages next season.

It would, however, mean £20m less for Mikel Arteta’s rebuild, so don’t be surprised to see this one drag on as Arsenal try to either convince Guendouzi to go somewhere else or Marseille to cough up some substantial cash.