Sunderland return to the Premier League has been nothing short of impressive. Far from simply surviving, the Black Cats have shown they can go toe-to-toe with some of the strongest sides in England and beyond. Their performances have left the club convinced that this squad has the foundations to grow into a team capable of competing for European football in the coming years. But the message inside the Stadium of Light is clear: progress requires investment, just as it did during their ambitious summer transfer window.
With that mindset, Sunderland are already planning for January, and fresh rumours suggest the club are preparing to enter the market for a midfielder with top-level pedigree — one who is also attracting interest from Aston Villa, who continue to invest heavily under their own long-term project.
Sunderland and Aston Villa Set to Battle for Matteo Guendouzi
According to reports from Sport Witness, both Premier League sides are monitoring Matteo Guendouzi, the 26-year-old French midfielder currently at Lazio. Guendouzi’s career trajectory has already taken him through the Premier League with Arsenal, an impressive spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille, and now Serie A.
The former Arsenal man has long been admired for his energy, technical quality, vision, and ability to dictate the rhythm of games from midfield — attributes that make him a logical target for teams trying to elevate their long-term footballing project.
Rumours suggest that both Sunderland and Aston Villa see Guendouzi as a signing who could help push their respective squads to the next level.
Lazio Open to a January Sale
While Lazio have yet to receive any formal offers, reports in Italy indicate the club may be open to selling Guendouzi in January due to financial pressures and the player’s relatively high salary. The Italian side are believed to value the midfielder at €25–30 million, a figure that aligns closely with his €32 million market valuation on Transfermarkt.
Still just 26, he fits their recruitment model while offering something new: immediate Premier League familiarity. His breakout years at Arsenal between 2018 and 2020 mean he would not need the adaptation period many overseas signings require.
The Black Cats believe that kind of readiness could be crucial as they try to stabilise themselves in the top flight and build a credible squad capable of European ambitions.
However, the club is also aware that competition from Aston Villa — with their financial muscle and established European status — could complicate the deal. Sunderland are still evaluating the feasibility of a move but are keeping close watch on the situation in Rome.
