Arsenal could be about to allow Matteo Guendouzi to leave the club for a cut-price fee.
Guendouzi spent this season on loan with Hertha Berlin after falling out with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta towards the end of last season.
The midfielder featured regularly for Arsenal last season but after a disappointing afternoon at Brighton following football's restart from the coronavirus lockdown, he was cast aside with Arteta reportedly unhappy with the Frenchman's attitude.
As a result, Guendouzi was sent to Berlin, where he helped Hertha dodge the drop in Bundesliga, finishing two points above the relegation play-off spot.
And ahead of next season, it seems Arsenal will try to offload Guendouzi with interest already beginning to surface, particularly from the 22-year-old's home country.
La Provence are reporting the Gunners are willing to let their exiled midfielder go for just £13million with Olympique Marseille said to be 'closing in' on a deal.
It's claimed Guendouzi has already agreed the terms for a move but negotiations are said to be ongoing between the two clubs.
Guendouzi was signed for £7m from Lorient in 2018 and he is now valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, but he could be allowed to leave for significantly less than that figure.
One of the reasons for that reduced fee could be down to the player's contract, which is set to expire in 2022, and the fact Arsenal have made it rather clear he is not wanted won't help them when it comes to negotiating his exit.
Armed with the knowledge of both of those factors, Marseille are likely to play hardball with Guendouzi not having any other interest as things stand.
That could see the youngster moved on for a cheap fee ahead of next season, and he has already hinted at a new club by posting a goodbye message to Hertha on Twitter, following the end of his loan spell.
He said: "To new beginnings ...A difficult day arrives, this one, the day to say goodbye to an entire institution for which I had the immense privilege and honour to play football and defend its blazon in an extraordinary championship made of professionalism and humility.
"I joined not only a club but a family, I’ve met amazing people who became friends for life. Many thanks to Michael Preetz, Bruno Labbadia, Arne Friedrich and Pál Dárdai for making this possible.
"I'm leaving happy because I gave the best of myself and we’ve managed to stay in the Bundesliga. My thoughts also go to all the employees who work behind the scenes but work with dedication on behalf of the club’s common good, without forgetting all the fans who are passionate about the club and have shown unwavering support. This experience has been a source of inspiration and I hope I have lived up to the confidence the club has given me. The club helped me in difficult situations and encouraged me when I was at the top.
"I just wanted to work with respect, dedication and defend the club’s values.
"I wish Hertha Berlin the best. I leave with a lot of emotions, that's why, with respect and affection, thank you and HaHoHe."
