Premier League outfit Arsenal have, on Friday, confirmed the definitive departure of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Guendouzi, of course, spent this past season out on a fresh loan stint away from north London, securing a return to his home country with Olympique Marseille.
And to say that the change of scene proved beneficial for the 23-year-old would be something of an understatement.
All told, Guendouzi went on to play a starring role at the Stade Velodrome, establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet of Jorge Sampaoli, en route to five goals and a hefty 14 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.
In turn, it has long proven one of football’s worst kept secrets that OM intended to activate the club’s option to buy the French international this summer.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 9, 2021: Matteo Guendouzi and Arkadiusz Milik celebrate during the UEFA Europa League Group E Round 6 match between Olympique de Marseille and Lokomotiv Moscow at the Orange Velodrome Stadium (Photo by Mikhail JaparidzeTASS via Getty Images)
And, as alluded to above, as much has finally been confirmed on Friday afternoon.
As per official statements released across the respective social media platforms of Arsenal and Marseille, Guendouzi has taken his talents to the latter on a permanent basis, putting pen to paper on an alleged three-year contract.
‘As part of the agreement with Marseille, Matteo has made his move permanent after spending 2021/22 on loan with the Ligue 1 club.
‘Everyone at Arsenal thanks Matteo for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career’, the midfielder’s now-former employers announced.
Wishing you all the best, Matteo ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 1, 2022
Arsenal, it is understood, have bagged a sum of £9.5 million as part of the deal.
Sampaoli walks
Elsewhere on the Marseille front, the French heavyweights, fresh off a fine campaign which saw them finish 2nd in the Ligue 1 table, have confirmed the shock departure of boss Jorge Sampaoli.
Olympique de Marseille and Jorge Sampaoli announce their joint decision to end their collaboration.
? https://t.co/bAEkuRjH7X pic.twitter.com/Eu6BhYt7eT
— Olympique de Marseille ?? ?? (@OM_English) July 1, 2022
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