12 May 2023 , 18:25
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Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has admitted that he has struggled since losing his place in the Marseille team amid speculation he could move on this summer.
The French playmaker initially left the Emirates back in the summer of 2021 to link up with Marseille on loan before the move was made permanent back in July.
Guendouzi has since clocked up over 40 appearances for the club but has found himself out of favour in recent weeks - fuelling rumours that the French giants could cash in on the 24-year-old if the price is right. West Ham are one club who have been credited with an interest in Guendouzi's services.
It remains to be seen whether or not Guendouzi would be open to a return to the Premier League with the Hammers. But while the midfielder feels "powerless" at his current situation, he offered no encouragement to any potential suitors on Friday.
In a press conference, as transcribed by L’Équipe, Guendouzi said: “I don’t demand anything at all. I have a contract (until 2025). I have always faced my responsibilities, both on and off the pitch. I have commitments, and I’ll keep to them until the end. Obviously, it isn’t easy to be on the bench, I have always wanted to help the team and you feel powerless. But I can bring a lot to the team when I’m called upon. I will always give everything on the pitch.”
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He then added that he had held discussions with sporting director Javier Ribalta. “Yes, I had a discussion with him. It was a normal conversation like many players have with the sporting director or director of football. I have always been sincere, and someone who says things face-to-face. It is always with the objective of moving forward together, before prioritising my personal situation.”
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Declan Rice is Arsenal's top summer transfer target, while West Ham have been linked with a move for Guendouzi (Getty Images)Arsenal fans may well end up keeping a keen eye on developments involving Guendouzi this summer, as their former player could end up aiding the Gunners in their bid to snap up Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta has identified the West Ham captain as his top summer transfer target and could sanction a deal worth up to £120million in order to prise the England star away from his boyhood club.
And if Guendouezi is open to joining West Ham as a ready-made replacement for Rice, the process could be much smoother than anticipated - particularly as Manchester United are expected to compete with Arsenal for the midfielder's signature.
West Ham manager David Moyes has now conceded that Rice is likely to move on from the London Stadium at the end of the season.
Speaking on Friday, Moyes said: “We honestly hope he [Rice] stays. We'd love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.
“So that's one of the scenarios around planning. There are plans that we have Dec here but we're also fully aware there is a good chance we won't have him.”