West Ham consider former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as a potential replacement for Declan Rice in the upcoming transfer window.

  • West Ham target former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.
  • Guendouzi has had a decent season at Marseille, contributing to the team’s push for a Champions League spot but is expected to leave this summer.
  • Despite a tumultuous past, West Ham believe Guendouzi could thrive in the Premier League once more.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With Declan Rice’s future at West Ham in doubt, it seems the Hammers are already searching for a suitable replacement. Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has emerged as a prime candidate for the position, according to The Athletic.

Currently playing for Ligue 1 side Marseille, the 24-year-old has revitalised his career after an uneventful spell at the Emirates.

While Rice has been instrumental in keeping West Ham afloat in the Premier League, it’s no secret that the club may look to cash in on their star asset.

Interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle has been growing, and West Ham could demand upwards of £100 million for the English international.

West Ham's Declan Rice reacts after a draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League first-leg quarter final football match between Belgian KAA Gent and West Ham United FC at the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent on April 13, 2023. (Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham’s Declan Rice reacts after a draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League first-leg quarter final football match between Belgian KAA Gent and West Ham United FC at the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent on April 13, 2023. (Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

David Moyes, no doubt, has a challenge ahead of him in finding the right player to step into Rice’s shoes. Guendouzi, however, seems to have caught his eye.

The French midfielder has had a decent season in France, contributing five goals and five assists as Marseille push for a Champions League spot.

Guendouzi’s time at Arsenal was far from smooth sailing. He made 82 appearances and lifted the FA Cup, but his attitude on and off the pitch was deemed problematic.

Eventually, Mikel Arteta deemed him surplus to requirements and sent him out on loan before sealing a permanent move away from the club.

Despite his tumultuous past, West Ham appear confident that Guendouzi could thrive in the Premier League once again.

His performances in France have earned him a spot in the national team, and he even featured in last year’s World Cup final.

Why is Matteo Guendouzi on the move this summer?

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Matteo Guendouzi of Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Marseille at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Matteo Guendouzi of Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Marseille at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Matteo Guendouzi’s future at Marseille appears uncertain due to head coach Igor Tudor’s growing disapproval.

Despite the midfielder’s combative and effective playstyle, which has earned him the admiration of Marseille supporters, his relationship with Tudor could lead to a summer exit.

Guendouzi had the opportunity to leave during the winter transfer window, with clubs like Aston Villa expressing interest, but chose to stay at Marseille.

However, RMC consultant Stéphan Guy claims that Tudor does not hold Guendouzi in high esteem, casting doubt on the player’s future at the club.

Last summer, Guendouzi reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with then-new Marseille coach Igor Tudor.

The former Arsenal midfielder, known for having issues with coaches, clashed with Tudor during a friendly match against AC Milan.

Guendouzi complained to Marseille’s President, Pablo Longoria, and was told that if he didn’t like it, he could leave.

After a team meeting, the situation improved somewhat, despite Guendouzi’s when substituted during a Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Arsenal to benefit from sell-on clause

Arsenal's German-born Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac (L), Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (C) and Arsenal's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi attend a training session at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku on May 28, 2019 on the eve of the UEFA Europa League final football match between Chelsea and Arsenal. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
Arsenal’s German-born Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac (L), Arsenal’s German midfielder Mesut Ozil (C) and Arsenal’s French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi attend a training session at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku on May 28, 2019 on the eve of the UEFA Europa League final football match between Chelsea and Arsenal. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)

Marseille are planning to sell Guendouzi this summer for more than double the €12 million they paid for him, and Arsenal could benefit financially due to a sell-on clause.

Aston Villa are considered the most likely destination, with a potential reunion with former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.

Despite reduced playing time and a shifted position at Marseille lately, Guendouzi has attracted attention from English clubs, and a return to the Premier League seems likely.