Arsenal’s second move of the transfer window has been confirmed after Matteo Guendouzi signed for Marseille.
The Frenchman has been strongly linked with the Ligue 1 giants throughout the transfer window having fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta.
He appeared to jump the gun on Monday having issued a heartfelt statement confirming his departure from the Emirates Stadium, posts on social media that were swiftly deleted.
However, the move has now been confirmed, with Marseille having announced the signing of the midfielder.
Guendouzi becomes the second departure from the Emirates Stadium so far this window with David Luiz having also left following the expiry of his contract with Arsenal.
The French midfielder has signed a one-year loan deal with Marseille, with the club confirming that they hold an option to buy next summer despite original reports suggesting that it would have been an obligation.
The 22-year-old departs Arsenal having made 82 appearances for the North London club since his arrival from Lorient in 2018 under Unai Emery.
Originally expected to be an addition to the Gunners youth set-up, Guendouzi soon established himself in the first team, making 48 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign.
He made another 34 outings in 2019/20, claiming an FA Cup winners medal as Arsenal defeated Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
However, he fell out of favour under Arteta and was loaned out to Bundesliga outfit Hertha BSC last season.
Guendouzi could potentially link-up with current Arsenal defender William Saliba at the Stade Velodrome next season. football.london understands the centre-back is close to also joining Marseille on-loan, albeit just a straight deal without any potential buy options included.
