Aston Villa have now made Marseille their opening offer for the January transfer of Matteo Guendouzi. Villans coach Unai Emery has also already issued his verdict on the midfielder.
Reports by the Evening Standard note Emery has asked the Villans to agree a move for the France international. The Spaniard has previously worked with Guendouzi whilst in charge of Arsenal having overseen the 23-year-old’s transfer from FC Lorient to Emirates Stadium.
Now, Emery sees Guendouzi as an ideal option to bolster his new squad at Villa Park after replacing Steven Gerrard in charge. His former star has shone during the past two seasons with Marseille having moved to the Stade Velodrome in an initial loan deal during 2021/22.
Guendouzi emerged as a key player in the OM ranks to see Les Phoceens trigger their £9m option to buy. But he can now make a quick return to the Premier League and reunite with Emery. He has not discussed personal terms as Marseille are yet to accept Aston Villa’s bid.
The Evening Standard also does not claim how much Aston Villa have offered Marseille for Guendouzi’s transfer. But RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins notes the Villans may start with a €30m (£27m) offer. They are also ready to go as high as €40m (£35.5m) for a move.
Emery has already issued his verdict on Aston Villa transfer target Guendouzi
Emery has even spoken with Guendouzi to try and convince the Marseille star of a transfer to Aston Villa, per Foot Mercato. The French publication further notes that OM value their technician in excess of €30m (£27m). L’Equipe also cites Aston Villa’s interest in a transfer.
Should Guendouzi accept Emery’s offer, the Marseille and France star’s transfer would see him and the Aston Villa boss reunite. The seven-cap star made 66 of his 82 appearances at Arsenal under the Spanish boss. He fell firmly out of favour following Mikel Arteta’s arrival.
Emery also admired what Guendouzi showed in north London after moving from Lorient at 19 years old for £8m. He had made just 30 senior appearances before joining the Gunners.
Emery told Arsenal Player in September 2019: “Matteo is a very good example for how we can develop our young players, with new young players or the spirit within the players who are here now.
“He started last year, at the beginning, with some doubts about his adaptation after he came from Lorient in the second division in France.
“He was very young. But his ambition and his wish to adapt very quickly, as well as his quality, were very good for us. He started playing and training with us and after his progress and development during the season was amazing.”
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