Report: Champions League club turns down chance to sign £40k-a-week Arsenal man

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Arsenal have reportedly discussed Matteo Guendouzi’s availability with PSG but they have turned down the opportunity to sign him, according to The Telegraph.

The Gunners midfielder was frozen out at the Emirates Stadium in wake of an incident with Brighton striker Neal Maupay towards the end of their Premier League clash in June.

With Arsenal looking to balance incomings with outgoings in a difficult transfer window in wake of current events, Guendouzi is believed to have been earmarked for sale.

The Telegraph claims that, while PSG are interested in Hector Bellerin, they have told Arsenal they have no interest in Guendouzi, whose availability has also been discussed.

The outlet also claims that a significant fee for Guendouzi would help finance a bid for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey, who is Arteta’s number one target to add to his midfield.

France Football reported in July that Arsenal were considering all options – a sale, loan or part-exchange – for Guendouzi, apparently valued at 30m to 35m Euros (£27m to £31.5million).

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It looked like Arsenal had snapped up a bargain when they paid Lorient £7million for Guendouzi, who broke into the first team and even won Arsenal’s Player of the Month award last September.

However, Guendouzi now looks out of favour at the Emirates Stadium and, with a big squad rebuilding job under way, if he’s not in Arteta’s plans, then it’s likely he’ll go.

Valencia have also been linked with the £40,000-a-week Frenchman, though The Mirror reported this interest as a loan with a view to buy for £16million, and The Telegraph suggests Arteta would rather a straight sale.

But with PSG reportedly not interested, the Gunners will have to go back to the drawing board and, if nobody’s willing to buy Guendouzi, maybe have to come to a compromise.