Thought to be leaving during the last winter transfer window, Matteo Guendouzi has remained with Olympique de Marseille (OM) despite interest from Premier League teams. However, it appears that the French international’s future may be outside of Marseille, with his transfer seeming likely at the end of the season.

After a successful season with OM, Matteo Guendouzi signed for Marseille permanently, having initially been loaned from Arsenal. His impressive performances even led to his selection for the World Cup in Qatar, which in turn led to talks of a transfer.

During the winter transfer window, Guendouzi’s name was frequently mentioned in relation to a potential transfer to Aston Villa. However, OM refused to let go of their player as the Premier League team had not made an “official offer”, as confirmed by Pablo Longoria at the beginning of the month.

It is expected that the situation will be different next summer.

According to L’Équipe, the departure of Matteo Guendouzi at the end of the season seems inevitable.

The sports daily stated that the transfer of the French international is “clearly programmed”, which will help OM replenish their coffers after an active winter transfer window.

However, it is still uncertain which team will acquire him. Aston Villa are reportedly still interested in signing Guendouzi.

As per his sell-on clause, Arsenal could cash in if Guendouzi moves for more than the €10-11m fee paid to the Gunners in his transfer to Marseille.

Reports suggest Villa were preparing a bid of up to €40m in January, including bonuses, for the French international. However, Marseille’s willingness to let go of Guendouzi was uncertain.

If he does move to Villa in the summer, it would require some convincing from Unai Emery, who was previously the manager of Arsenal and has already spoken to the player about the move.

Guendouzi reportedly had issues with new manager Igor Tudor over the summer, telling Pablo Longoria, the club’s President, that he wasn’t happy with the decisions Tudor was making.

Guendouzi reportedly complained to Longoria and was told that if he didn’t like it, he could leave.