Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is now in talks with Matteo Guendouzi to discuss a transfer for the Marseille star. The pair already have a close bond from their time together at Arsenal.
Emery signed Guendouzi for the Gunners from FC Lorient in his first market after replacing Arsene Wenger at Emirates Stadium. He spent £8m for the midfielder at 19 years old after just 30 first-team appearances. But the Frenchman impressed early on under the Spaniard.
Guendouzi showed a sublime passing range and heaps of promise in north London. Yet the arrival of Mikel Arteta to replace Emery in December 2019 saw his chances become limited before loan spells to Hertha Berlin and Marseille. He ultimately joined OM last July for £9m.
Marseille had an option to buy Guendouzi from Arsenal included in the terms of their loan deal for the 2021/22 season. During which the 23-year-old offered 14 assists and five goals over 56 outings across all competitions. He also made his France debut in November 2021.
Didier Deschamps would also take Guendouzi to the World Cup in Qatar this winter as Les Bleus reached the final. The seven-cap star earned a seat on the plane amid his three-goal and three-assist campaign so far for Les Phoceens over 22 appearances as a vice-captain.
Emery wants Aston Villa to secure a transfer for Marseille midfielder Guendouzi
Emery now wants Aston Villa to secure a transfer for Guendouzi so he can reunite with the Marseille midfielder. L’Equipe reports OM executives also believe the Villans are chasing a swoop in January and that the Poissy-born technician is even now considering his options.
Reports by Foot Mercato also add that Emery is speaking with Guendouzi about a transfer to Aston Villa from Marseille. The Villans coach even told the Frenchman that he is one of his priority targets this month. But it would take more than €30m (£26.5m) to seal a move.
What may work in Emery and Aston Villa’s favour if Marseille prove reluctant to a transfer is Guendouzi’s affection for the Spaniard. He voiced adoring praise for the tactician in May 2021 after Emery led Villarreal to the Europa League title after beating Manchester United.
“What a journey,” Guendouzi said, via the Daily Star. “This football… so smart and elegant! You made the dream of an entire city, of a club, a team and of all the fans come true! You did it, you know how to win trophies! Hats off Monsieur Emery, you are so unique.”
Villarreal beat Manchester United in the 2020/21 Europa League final 11-10 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It was Emery’s fourth crown in the UEFA competition as a manager after triumphs in 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 during the 51-year-old’s tenure with Sevilla.
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