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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank had his goalkeeper to thank for his side avoiding a defeat to Monaco in the Champions League earlier this week.

Italy international Guglielmo Vicario made a stunning eight saves, preventing 2.68 goals and earning a 10 rating on Sofascore, to keep the French side at bay.

Arguably, his best save was when Folarin Balogun tried to place the ball into the bottom right corner and the Spurs goalkeeper brilliantly got down to his left to tip the ball wide of the post with a strong hand.

Whilst Frank will have been delighted with Vicario’s performance against Monaco, the former Brentford boss will not have been pleased with his team’s play in possession.

Spurs only created one ‘big chance’, per Sofascore, in the game, which shows that they did not do enough on the ball to cause Monaco problems defensively.

Lucas Bergvall was selected to play in the number ten position, ahead of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the base of the midfield, and he failed to impose himself on the game.

Why Lucas Bergvall should be dropped by Spurs

The Sweden international had a huge opportunity to show that he has what it takes to nail down a place as a regular starter for Spurs in that area of the pitch, but he did not take it.

Instead, Bergvall was disappointing against Monaco. The attacking midfielder made two errors that led to shots for Monaco, without making any key passes for his own team.

This, essentially, means that he had a direct hand in creating more chances for Monaco than he did for Spurs, which sums up how ineffective the 19-year-old gem was with the ball at his feet for Tottenham.

Minutes

60

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Crosses completed

0/2

Shots

0

Dribbles attempted

0

Duels won

1/3

Error led to shot

2

As you can see in the table above, Bergvall played an hour without registering any key passes, completed crosses, dribbles, ‘big chances’ created, or shots, whilst he also lost two of his three duels.

These statistics suggest that Frank should be dropping the central midfielder from his starting XI for this afternoon’s trip to the Hill Dickinson to face Everton in the Premier League.

Bergvall, who scored his first top-flight goal for the club against West Ham United in September, is not an awful player who should not be in contention to play any part against Everton, though, despite his midweek showing.

The Swedish starlet has one goal and one assist in the Premier League this season, whilst he has also won 53% of his ground duels, per Sofascore, which shows that he could still provide some energy and quality off the bench as an impact substitute.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, his performance as a starter in the number ten position against Monaco suggests that he should not be in the starting line-up to face Everton today, as he failed to offer enough on the ball in the Champions League.

That is why Spurs head coach Frank should be unleashing summer signing Xavi Simons as the team’s attacking midfielder against the Toffees in place of Bergvall.

Why Spurs should unleash Xavi Simons over Lucas Bergvall

The Lilywhites splashed out £52m to sign the Netherlands international from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window to bolster the club’s options at the top end of the pitch after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season.

Simons has not hit the ground running with several goals and assists to his name for Spurs. However, he has shown some promising signs in his early performances for his new club in the top-flight.

Per Sofascore, the Dutch playmaker has created six chances, one ‘big chance’, and registered one assist in four Premier League starts for Tottenham so far this season, which shows that he has provided creativity in the number ten berth.

Supporters may be waiting for more to come from the former RB Leipzig star, though, because he arrived in England with a brilliant reputation, thanks to his form in the Bundesliga.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder proved himself to be adept at delivering goals and assists on a regular basis as a number ten or a wide player across his two seasons with Leipzig, which is why the club opted to spend £52m to bring him to North London in the summer.

Appearances

32

25

xG

8.26

5.11

Goals

8

10

Big chances created

14

12

Key passes per game

2.5

2.0

Assists

11

7

As you can see in the table above, Simons produced 18 goals and 19 assists in two Bundesliga seasons with the German club, which shows that he can be an influential player at the top end of the pitch when he is at his best.

U23 football talent scout Antonio Mango once described the Tottenham attacking midfielder as a player who “has the X-Factor”, which is backed up by his statistics for Leipzig.

The £52m signing can be a difference-maker in the final third with his ability to both score and assist goals, which is why Frank should look to unleash him against Everton in place of Bergvall, who has yet to show a similar level of quality on the ball.

Whilst it has not fully clicked yet for Simons, who is still looking for his first goal for the Lilywhites, he has created chances and provided an assist in the Premier League, which suggests that, at the very least, he can be a creative spark against the Toffees.

Watch out Gray & Bergvall: Spurs gem with "Modric vibe" is thriving on loan

Tottenham Hotspur could have another world-class gem on their hands in the near future.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2025

It is now down to Frank to ruthlessly ditch Bergvall from his starting line-up this evening in order to bring the Netherlands international back into the side as the attacking midfielder.

Colin Ingram, Ben Kellaway make centuries to push Glamorgan into first-innings lead

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay01-Jul-2025 Gloucestershire 380 and 12 for 0 trail Glamorgan 528 (Kellaway 139, Ingram 117) by 136 runsBen Kellaway and Colin Ingram both made centuries as Glamorgan pushed into a first-innings lead to set up the prospect of a draw against Gloucestershire.Glamorgan’s middle-order pair put on 254 for the fifth wicket (147 added from overnight) out of a total of 528, as Gloucestershire’s bowlers were subjected to a mammoth 151.1 overs on a day in which just six wickets fell.Kellaway’s 139 was the 21-year-old’s second century of an eye-catching season for his home county while South African veteran Ingram racked up his 16th first-class century for Glamorgan.Glamorgan started the day with their partnership of experience and youth already established, having recovered from 121 for 4 on day two, and the Glamorgan balcony watched on as Gloucestershire’s bowlers endured all but 11 overs of the day’s play.An early itchiness to get going from Kellaway seemed evident, proactively using his feet against the early spin to start the day despite still trailing by 152.The pair settled into their work, having come through a wicketless evening session on day two, and carried that stand through to lunch as well, demolishing the new ball in the process – they took 32 from the first five overs from Ajeet Singh Dale and Zaman Akhter.Kellaway, and shortly afterwards, Ingram didn’t have to wait long for their milestones. On 99, Kellaway cover-drove his fellow youngster Archie Bailey to the fence, then kept the momentum up, taking three boundaries in the same over, as the partnership passed 200.At 365 for 4 at lunch, and with 10 overs still available to chase bonus points, Gloucestershire opted for a negative ploy: Graeme van Buuren bowling left-arm-over outside leg stump while the pacers banged in short balls from round-the-wicket.Negative it may have been deemed but successful it was. Both the partnership contributors fell to short balls, Ingram upper-cutting to deep-third, Kellaway pulling to square-leg in the 110th over. Just 23 runs were scored in the first hour of the afternoon as the hosts missed a potentially key fourth batting point while the visitors picked up a second bowling point.Chris Cooke and Timm van der Gugten remained cautious in a turgid session despite adding useful cameos. Cooke initially struggled to settle but opened up with reverse-sweeps coming to the fore in his partnerships with the tail, before Todd Murphy wrapped up the innings for his sole wicket.Walking out with 11 overs remaining and 148 behind, Gloucestershire made it to the close unscathed despite two direct run-out attempts that flew just wide of the stumps.

France legend Emmanuel Petit has suggested that Benfica boss Jose Mourinho should take up the challenge of trying to keep Wolves in the Premier League. The ex-Chelsea boss only joined the Portuguese team in September but Petit thinks an English top-flight return would be too good to refuse, particularly as he has not had the "best of starts" at Benfica.

Mourinho admits Premier League ambition

Mourinho announced himself as 'The Special One' more than 20 years ago after leading FC Porto to Champions League glory and taking up the managerial role at Chelsea. After two spells at Stamford Bridge, he has also managed at Manchester United and Tottenham, with varying success. Although he has spent many years coaching in England, in addition to being in the dugout at Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Roma, Fenerbahce, and more, the Benfica boss still wants more. 

In October 2024, he said: "The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fener is that I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition. So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go. I don’t want to speak anymore about it. I want to speak about the game."

Now, Petit can see him picking up the reins at manager-less Wolves, who sit bottom of the Premier League.

AdvertisementPortuguese legend 'loves the Premier League'

The Frenchman believes that the lure of the English top-flight may be tempting, especially as this will be a new challenge with a team at the wrong end of the table. He added that the Portuguese's "fierce character" could fire Wolves to safety.

He told JeffBet: "Jose Mourinho is not having the best of starts at Benfica, but you never know with him. Mourinho loves the Premier League and managing a team like Wolves could be something completely different for him. He's used to teams with big players and a lot of money, trying to avoid relegation is something unexpected from Mourinho. Why not? Wolves are linked with many Portuguese people, and have been for years now, so it would probably suit Mourinho. It would be a huge battle for him though, Mourinho is a fierce character and maybe Wolves need his fighting mentality to stay in the Premier League. For me, I'd be happy to see Mourinho back in the Premier League and managing Wolves."

Petit added that his old Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard should not go to the West Midlands outfit. 

"No, Patrick Vieira shouldn't take the Wolves job. Vieira has been let go in a few jobs now, so I think he would benefit from a more stable environment. I'd wish Vieira and Steven Gerrard a lot of luck if they decide to manage Wolves, but there would be some tough moments, and they would need to learn how to get through that," he added.

Mourinho wouldn't have tolerated Spurs pair's actions

Incidentally, Petit also believes that Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence wouldn't have snubbed Mourinho, or Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, if he were in charge at Tottenham. Spurs head coach Thomas Frank asked the duo to applaud the fans after their uninspiring defeat to Chelsea but they gave the Dane the cold shoulder. They have since apologised but Petit thinks this wouldn't have happened under Mourinho.

Petit said, "I think Thomas Frank would have been very disappointed. Micky Van de Ven and Djed Spence are very lucky that he didn’t choose to react differently. Would they have reacted like that if Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola were their manager? No. These managers may have punished the players, even if they apologised. If I was their manager, I would make sure they know that I am the manager, and I won’t be disrespected like that. Frank is the last manager to throw players under the bus, I can't remember him pointing a finger at his players, so I can imagine he was very hurt by their actions."

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GettyWhat comes next for Mourinho?

Unless Mourinho is given the sack at Benfica, it seems a move to Wolves is unlikely. He has overseen six wins, two draws, and two losses so far, with the Portuguese giants currently third in the league. But a move to the Premier League could yet happen in the future for the 62-year-old.

There are so many questions going into the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees. Can Aaron Judge step up on the massive October stage? Will Cleveland's elite bullpen be able to navigate through if this thing goes to six or seven games? Is Jose Ramirez poised to become a household name after years of excellence? How much trust should Yankees fans really have in Carlos Rodon?

And finally, will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce be in attendance for any of the action?

We have clarity on that last issue as Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that he'd heard the power couple would be in the Bronx for Game 1.

Kelce grew up near Cleveland and has thrown one of the worst ceremonial first pitches in the franchise's history. Swift has been largely focused on football fandom over the past few years but like Bo Jackson, is extremely versatile.

It will be interesting to see just how often the TBS broadcast cuts away to their seats for reactions during play. The urge will be extremely strong but there are also some people who won't like that very much to consider.

Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia had only just returned to fitness and Enzo Maresca was easing him back into the team gently, but the Belgian could now be set for another spell on the sidelines in what is a frustrating blow.

Chelsea’s Champions League campaign continued on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Qarabag, a result that leaves the Blues frustrated but relieved after squandering a 1-0 lead and facing a difficult fightback against the Azerbaijani minnows.

Maresca’s side started brightly and took an early lead through teenage sensation Estevao after dominating possession and probing Qarabag’s defence.

However, just before halftime, Qarabag stunned Chelsea by turning the game on its head. The visitors struggled to contain Qarabag’s growing threat, and they capitalised with two goals in quick succession. Qarabag’s first equaliser came from a well-placed finish, and 10 minutes later, a second goal from the penalty spot put them unexpectedly 2-1 ahead at the break.

The swift turnaround rattled Chelsea, with the home side taking advantage of poor defensive lapses.

Estevao

8.2

Alejandro Garnacho

7.5

Leandro Andrade

7.4

Matheus Silva

7.0

Marko Jankovic

7.0

via WhoScored

Luckily for the west Londoners, half-time substitute Alejandro Garnacho was quickly on hand to spare their blushes with a clinical finish into the bottom corner just minutes after the restart. Estevao, Enzo Fernández and Facuno Buonanotte all made attempts to win the game for Chelsea, with Garnacho also seeing an added-time effort saved from inside the area.

It was close but no cigar for Chelsea who ended up sharing the spoils, and Garnacho saved them from what would have been an historic loss, as no English team has ever lost to the Azerbaijani side before.

It was an evening of serious reflection for Maresca, who watched on as his side struggled defensively yet again amid reports that Chelsea are prioritising the signing of a centre-back in January.

The occasion was also marred by yet another injury blow for Lavia.

The 21-year-old was given his first starts of the season against Nottingham Forest and Ajax recently as Maresca slowly edged him back into the fold after his recovery from a muscle strain. Chelsea’s boss handed Lavia the nod again at Qarabag, but Lavia was hauled off after just eight minutes with what looks like a quadricep injury.

Going by the player’s own reaction, Lavia’s latest injury might not be minor.

What Roméo Lavia did moments after being taken off against Qarabağ

The Belgium international looked in visible disarray after being taken off against Qarabağ.

Lavia was spotted throwing a water bottle in anger as he made his way for Chelsea treatment, and given how much action he’s missed since joining Chelsea, this could also be put down to pure frustration on his part.

The midfielder, who was signed for around £58 million from Southampton in 2023, missed almost all of his debut season – bar 32 minutes against Crystal Palace – with ankle and hamstring problems. He was forced to sit out a grand total of 226 days last term as well, with Maresca and supporters now anxiously waiting for a more definitive update on his condition.

It’s a crying shame for a player who Maresca branded one of world football’s “best midfielders” when fit and available, but his patches of readiness to play are simply too few and far between.

For BlueCo and the board, an uncomfortable conversation may need to be had soon.

Ben Charlesworth top-scores as experience counts at Guildford

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Aug-2025Ollie Sykes struck a defiant 97 off 94 balls but Surrey were still overpowered by a far more experienced Gloucestershire at Guildford in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Ben Charlesworth hit four sixes and top-scored with an 83-ball 80 in Gloucestershire’s 293 for 9, before Josh Shaw spearheaded an excellent collective display with ball to restrict Surrey to 208 all out in reply.Fast bowler Shaw produced a five-over new ball spell of 3 for 19 as Surrey slumped initially to 33 for 3, but 20-year-old Sykes – in just his eighth List A game – belied his youth to counter-attack with two sixes and 12 fours and add 99 for the fourth wicket with Josh Blake.Blake top-edged Graeme van Buuren’s slow left arm to short fine leg on 26 to leave Surrey 155 for 5 in the 31st over and Sykes’ departure four overs later made it just a matter of time before Gloucestershire wrapped up the lower order.Ollie Sykes (file photo) fell just short of three figures•Getty Images for Surrey CCCVan Buuren and Ollie Price, bowling his offspin cannily, had built pressure on Sykes for several overs and their reward was a charge down the pitch to what became a legside wide from van Buuren and an easy stumping for keeper James Bracey.Surrey’s innings had begun with Ryan Patel skying a catch to backward point off Shaw, who then saw Tommy Boorman fling himself to his right at short fine leg to cling on to a full-blooded flick off his pads by Rory Burns.Burns made 15, Patel 16 and debutant Nikhil Gorantla was soon gone for a third ball duck, athletically caught and bowled by Shaw in his follow through inches from the turf.Adam Thomas was then held in the cover roles for 6 and Shaw finished with 3 for 29 and Jack Taylor, who cleaned up Surrey’s tail, 3 for 16.Gloucestershire’s total, a decent effort on a used pitch, was built around Charlesworth’s superbly-judged innings, which ended when he was fifth out in the 39th over.At halfway, on 125 for 3, there was a danger that Gloucestershire would post a below-par score for a ground with such short square boundaries but Charlesworth was joined in a timely 54-run partnership in ten overs by van Buuren once Jack Taylor had been brilliantly caught in the outfield by a diving Thomas off Steel.Van Buuren’s 33 was then followed by further useful late-innings knocks from Boorman (22), Daz Ahmed, who launched two sixes in a 21-ball 29, and Matt Taylor’s hard-hit 27 from 11 balls.Taylor thumped a six and four fours in the closing overs, topping off an innings which had begun with Bracey driving Yousef Majid’s left-hand spin for two straight sixes but which looked like losing its way once Bracey (24) had been spectacularly caught by a sprawling Gorantla at backward point.Cameron Bancroft was bowled for 18 by a beauty from James Taylor, Surrey’s stand-out bowler with 3 for 42 from his ten overs, and Price fell for 26 when he was bowled by Majid.

Christian Pulisic has voiced strong support for USMNT teammate Gio Reyna, acknowledging the challenges the young midfielder has faced while expressing confidence in his future. Speaking ahead of the November international window, the AC Milan star offered insight into their relationship and Reyna’s potential impact on the national team.

Getty Images Sport'He’s a really, really good player'

During his comments, Pulisic acknowledged that while he and Reyna don't maintain frequent communication, they have developed a positive professional relationship through their time with the national team. The Milan forward expressed empathy for Reyna's situation, noting that the 23-year-old has endured significant challenges, particularly with injuries that have disrupted his development at both club and international levels.

“Yeah, I mean, we don’t talk a bunch,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo. “But we’ve had a good relationship, and I think he has had a really tough time, and kind of unfairly in a lot of ways. I feel for him, it’s not difficult what we go through. Some of the injuries he’s dealt with are really hard. And with the national now, also seeing him on the roster, I think it’s really exciting for him.

“I will say, when I have him on the field with me on the national team, I always feel a lot more relaxed. I feel like he’s a really, really good player, and I think that’s not a crazy take. I think a lot of people see that.”

Advertisement'Stay patient'

Pulisic argued that Reyna has faced a run of bad luck and unusually high expectations since his early breakthrough, saying the player’s recent troubles have not been solely of his making. He urged patience while Reyna finds form and rhythm again.

“I just tell him to stay patient,” Pulisic said. “I mean, he’s a guy that’s gone through a bit of a tough time, he’ll admit that, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t have really good things ahead. And people put pressure, and I get that too, because he had such a crazy start to his career where he was doing unbelievable things at 17 years old, and then you expect the same thing.

“Then all of a sudden, you go to the national team and people are like, ‘You need to be that guy. You need to perform for us right away.' And it’s like it’s not that easy, there are a lot of factors and things that he has to work out. And I do think it's been unfair, but I think he’s going to come around, and people are going to see that soon.”

A slow start to the season

After joining Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, Reyna has struggled to secure consistent playing time, making just six Bundesliga appearances while continuing to battle fitness issues. 

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Getty Images SportNovember friendlies await.

Reyna has been picked as a part of the November international break for the USMNT and could earn his first cap since March 2025 when the team gets back to action this Saturday against Paraguay. 

As the St. Louis Cardinals explore the trade market surrounding eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado, the veteran third baseman has given the club some assistance in the form of a list of teams he'd be willing to approve a trade to.

Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause in his contract, reportedly would approve a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets or Boston Red Sox, a source told John Denton of MLB.com.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Arenado's agent Joel Wolfe said that the star third baseman doesn't have a geographical preference of where he'd like to play, but that the 33-year-old, who has never won a World Series, is clearly prioritizing a contending team as his next destination.

"A team that he thinks is going to win now and consistently for the remainder of his career," Wolfe told a throng of reporters. "… He wants a team that has the throttle down — not saying that the Cardinals don't — but one where he can jump right in and they're going to win right now. … He's good.

"Nolan's a unique individual, so it's hard to describe his headspace at any one moment, but he's good."

St. Louis, which has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, has expressed a desire to get younger, and the club's president of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged that a trade of Arenado, who is due to be paid $74 million over the next three seasons, would be a "big help" financially.

Arenado is a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, and remains an elite defender but has experienced a downturn in production at the plate, posting a .746 OPS across 296 games between 2023 and 2024, the worst mark in any two-year stretch in his decorated career. The Newport Beach, Ca. native is reportedly open to playing first base, at least on a part-time level, to help facilitate a trade to a contender.

It's not clear if Arenado's wish list includes just these six teams, or if there are any others he would be willing to play for. When asked about the number of teams his client would approve a trade to, Wolfe said, it's "bigger than you might think."

It would not be a surprise to see Arenado dealt at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, Tx., which began on December 9 and will span four days.

Still searching for their next manager, Middlesbrough are now reportedly serious about hiring Swiss manager Raphael Wicky, who has emerged as an early candidate to take the job.

Unlike other managerial vacancies in the Championship, coaches would be walking into a fairly healthy environment at Middlesbrough. The Teesside club currently sit second in England’s second tier and five points behind leaders Coventry City. As things stand, they will be earning promotion to the Premier League come May.

A lot can still change, however, and Boro must get their next manager right whilst they are in such a positive position. Just who that next manager is remains the question. Steven Gerrard, Tony Mowbray and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink have all been mentioned as early candidates, with Gerrard the most interesting option of the three.

The former Rangers boss recently rejected the chance to return to Ibrox, but is keen to make a return to the dugout for the right job. With Boro on course to fight for automatic promotion in the Championship, it’s tough to pick out a reason why most managers of Gerrard’s calibre wouldn’t want to walk straight into the job before the end of the international break.

Replacing Rob Edwards, who chose to leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers, will be no easy task for any potential candidate. As much as he has ruined his reputation with those in Teesside, the former Luton Town boss certainly steered the club in the right direction and attempted to explain his decision in a recent statement.

Boro fans are unlikely to forgive or forget any time soon, however, and must instead hope that the club’s next appointment continues their push for automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough get serious about appointing Raphael Wicky

As reported by Sports Boom, Middlesbrough are now serious about appointing Wicky after he impressed Riverside chiefs with an unofficial presentation. The Swiss manager is currently a free agent and will be easier to convince as a result, but that’s not to say the 48-year-old isn’t an impressive candidate.

During his time in Switzerland, Wicky won the league and cup double with BSC Young Boys and his 4-4-2 diamond system proved to be incredibly successful. If Middlesbrough fail to hire the likes of Gerrard, then the former Young Boys manager is someone who’d offer them similar experience and success.

Middlesbrough keen on Championship title-winning manager alongside Gerrard

Steve Gibson’s search for a new permanent Boro boss is underway.

1 ByCharlie Smith Nov 13, 2025

The manager’s style also includes an exciting high press, which could yet help Boro bridge the gap on an exciting Coventry side at the top of the Championship.

The fact is, although they run the risk of getting their next appointment wrong, Riverside chiefs could also take their side up another level entirely if they get things right.

As things stand, the battle seems to be between Gerrard and Wicky for the job. With both holding similar reputations though, it remains to be seen which direction Middlesbrough head towards.

Middlesbrough make "impressive" manager top target to replace Edwards

Regis Le Bris has responded to mounting speculation linking Sunderland with the signing of Marseille's Matteo Guendouzi. While the Black Cats boss did not commit to an approach for the ex-Arsenal midfielder in the January transfer window, he spoke positively of their relationship. Le Bris was managing Lorient's B team as Guendouzi was coming through the ranks at the French club.

Guendouzi to reunite with Le Bris at Sunderland?

The 49-year-old manager revealed that he and his former player keep in touch. Le Bris gave Guendouzi his first foray into senior football back in 2016. The defensive midfielder pushed on from his time Lorient's reserve team, establishing himself in the Ligue 2 outfit's starting XI before making the switch to Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

Their close relationship and Sunderland's excellent start to life back in the Premier League could be enough to convince Guendouzi to trade Rome for Wearside. Guendouzi joined Lazio from Marseille in on a permanent basis in 2024 after an initial season-long loan spell, for a reported fee of €15 million (£13.2m).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBlack Cats boss coy on official approach

Despite their positive relationship, Le Bris was coy about the speculation, suggesting the club had not committed to an approach in the coming transfer window. He said: "We still have connections with players and Matteo is one of those players. I worked with him (previously) in Lorient so we stay connected. But at the minute it’s too early to speak about the January transfer window."

Guendouzi not surprised by Le Bris' Sunderland success

Based on his previous comments, a reunion would please Guendouzi, who has credited Le Bris for his impact on his career. Since leaving Lorient in 2016, Guendouzi has made 312 senior appearance in club football and represented his country 14 times. 

The 26-year-old said Le Bris' success on Wearside comes as no surprise to him. Since taking over at the Stadium of Light, the Frenchman has exceeded all expectations leading the Black Cats back to the Premier League for the first time in eight years. Sunderland have punched above their weight so far this term, taking points from Arsenal and Chelsea. Le Bris' side are currently fourth in the table. 

"Honestly, his results at Sunderland don't surprise me," Guendouzi said recently. "A year with him is perhaps the equivalent of three with other coaches. You learn a lot about yourself. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today."

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Getty Images SportWill Guendouzi make a return to the Premier League?

Guendouzi could well look at at a return to England as a chance to right some unfinished business. He flashed moments of promise in Unai Emery's side, however, he was quickly sidelined by Mikel Arteta. 

Joining a massive club like Arsenal with limited senior experience at the age of just 18 presents a steep learning curve for any player. There were moments of discipline that suggested a player that needed to mature to excel in the world's toughest domestic competition. Now at 26-years-old, Guendouzi could well fancy a reunion with his ex manager, and his midfield running mate Granit Xhaka. For that to happen, the Black Cats will likely have to exceed the €15m fee Lazio paid 18 months ago. 

In the meantime, Guendouzi will have to focus on his duties for the two-time Italian champions. The Biancocelesti currently sit in ninth place in Serie A. They return from the international break when they host Lecce on Sunday.