Sunderland transfer state of play: Done deals, latest rumours, likely next signing
Sunderland’s transfer activity is moving along nicely ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats may have only made one signing so far this summer, with the permanent addition of Enzo Le Fee, but plenty more business is expected at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland will be well aware of the need for several more reinforcements if they are to have any chance of breaking the trend of newly promoted teams dropping straight back down into the Championship.
Taking that into account, Mackem News rounds up the latest transfer news, including two deals which appear to be imminent.
Mateo Guendouzi linked with Le Bris reunion
Le Fee’s arrival was achievable because of the relationship he held with Regis Le Bris throughout their time at Lorient; the Frenchman is looking to repeat that trick once again this summer.
Former Arsenal midfielder Mateo Guendouzi has been linked with a move to Sunderland, though he is believed to be deliberating over whether he wants to make the switch.
| Guendouzi | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Serie A | 37 | 1 | 3 |
| Europa League | 9 | - | 2 |
| Coppa Italia | 2 | - | - |
The fact that he had spent time with Le Bris at Lorient previously is said to work in the favour of the Black Cats.
A deal for Vadyslav Vanat remains on the cards, but the talks are believed to have stalled because of a disagreement over the structure of the fee, while rumours over a deal involving Roma's Angelino are at a standstill.
As for other players to have been linked, two of those appear to be imminent, with one medical booked in ahead of a move.
Marcin Bulka and Habib Diarra deals imminent
After losing Jobe Bellingham, it became apparent that signing a new midfielder would be higher up on the list of priorities, and Sunderland looks set to address that concern.
Habib Diarra’s arrival is imminent, after it was reported that the Black Cats have agreed a club record transfer to seal the move for the 21-year-old.
His medical has already been booked in, with a similar outcome expected for Marcin Bulka, who is edging closer to a move to Sunderland.
The Nice goalkeeper also had interest from Manchester United and AC Milan this summer, but a move to Wearside seems to be the most likely outcome.
Diarra’s arrival is expected to be the next one at the Stadium of Light, with several more additions anticipated.
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