Matteo Guendouzi is still expected to leave Olympique de Marseille this summer, but a Premier League return is looking increasingly unlikely.

Marseille midfielder #06 Matteo Guendouzi reacts at the end of the UEFA Champions League second leg of the third qualifying round football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Panathinaikos at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, on August 15, 2023. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille midfielder #06 Matteo Guendouzi reacts at the end of the UEFA Champions League second leg of the third qualifying round football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Panathinaikos at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, on August 15, 2023. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

L’Equipe (via GFFN) report that Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is still expected to move on from the Ligue 1 club this summer, and his entourage remain optimistic of a transfer.

Yet previous reports of a Premier League switch appear to be fading.

Aston Villa made a contract offer in the January transfer window, but ultimately signed Youri Tielemans instead. West Ham had been linked in the past, but are now less keen. Brighton are looking at other profiles.

Guendouzi has interest from Inter Milan and Lazio, but Marseille may have to settle for a loan with a purchase option.

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: 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. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Guendouzi had a difficult end to the 2022/23 campaign, and Marseille have commissioned agents to find him a new club.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria views the midfielder as a saleable asset, and surplus to requirements in their current squad.

This could all end up being relevant to Arsenal, as the Gunners included a sell-on clause in Guendozui’s contract when he joined Marseille for €12m.

The exact percentage is not known, but Arsenal stand to benefit if Marseille find a buyer.

Marseille's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League semi-final football match between Feyenoord and Olympique Marseille (OM) at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, on April 28, 2022. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League semi-final football match between Feyenoord and Olympique Marseille (OM) at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, on April 28, 2022. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

On the other hand, if Guendouzi now can’t find a move or ends up only leaving on an initial loan deal, it’ll mean a little less money in the bank for Arsenal this summer.