Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Sunderland were interested in Lazio's 26-year-old French international central midfielder, Mattéo Guendouzi, and were all willing to pay the asking price of approximately £25 million (€29m). Despite the interest from the Premier League clubs, the former Arsenal player has decided not to move back to England after agreeing personal terms with Fenerbahce. Guendouzi indicated his desire for the transfer to the Turkish club, and the two teams are nearing an agreement, with a medical planned before the weekend. The midfielder, who has 14 caps and 2 goals for France, has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in 16 Serie A appearances this season. Guendouzi moved to Lazio from Marseille in July 2024 for a fee that was reported to be €13 million.