Aston Villa and Unai Emery are now ready to submit a £27m bid to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Marseille.
What’s the story?
Well, the Spaniard signed the France international during his time at Arsenal, and the pair have maintained a strong relationship ever since.
Foot Mercato in France believe Emery adores Guendouzi, and the Marseille No.6 also admires the Aston Villa boss.
Now, they could soon be reunited, with Aston Villa preparing a €30m (£27m) bid – according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport.
Foot Mercato add that Emery recently spoke to Guendouzi about a move to Villa Park, having also tried to sign him during his time at Villarreal.
The French news outlet add that Marseille would ideally like to keep the 23-year-old at the Stade Vélodrome, although they would be open to a sale if an attractive offer arrives in their inbox.
Hawkins of RMC Sport believes Aston Villa are prepared to spend up to €40m (£35m) if Marseille reject their opening offer of £27m.
Guendouzi has made 22 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals while also providing three assists – he also made one appearance at the World Cup in Qatar.
Aston Villa should not break the bank for Guendouzi
In our view, it wouldn’t make much sense for Aston Villa to spend heavily on Guendouzi.
Of course, it their £27m offer is accepted, then it could turn out to be a fantastic deal, as the Frenchman is a fine footballer.
However, Emery already has Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, John McGinn and other central midfielders at Villa Park, so the midfield department is not exactly in need of huge investment.
If Marseille reject £27m and also an improved £35m bid, then we feel the Villans should walk away and return to the negotiating table at the end of the season.
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