‘Aston Villa consider deal with Matteo Guendouzi race set to explode’
Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is set to be a target for Aston Villa after a significant transfer update emerged.
Villa manager Unai Emery bought Guendouzi to England in 2018, when the pair worked together during the Spaniard’s tenure at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old made 57 appearances for the Gunners before being sold to Marseille under Emery’s predecessor Mikel Arteta.
Guendouzi was loaned to Lazio during his second season in France before completing a permanent move to the Italian capital in 2023, and now he could be about to return to England.
Lazio open to Guendouzi offers
According to Birmingham Live (4 July) the Serie A club could allow Guendouzi to leave this summer to raise funds for player recruitment, if they receive an acceptable offer.
| Appearances | 94 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 9 |
Lazio finished seventh last season meaning they didn’t qualify for European football as Fiorentina beat them to a Europa Conference League spot on goal difference.
Villa have previously been interested in Guendouzi during Emery’s reign before he decided to sign for the Italian club.
Emery may have to be quick as the race to sign the midfielder is set to intensify.
Emery wants Guendouzi reunion
Football Insider verdict
Emery bought Guendouzi to the Premier League when the midfielder was only 19, and clearly felt the Frenchman had great potential.
Guendouzi’s energy and tenacity makes him a competitive player in the middle of the park, but his temperament could sometimes be an issue.
His hard working, box-to-box style suits an Emery team and with Jacob Ramsey’s future at the club uncertain Guendouzi could be a fine replacement.
The Frenchman has enjoyed regular playing time in France and Italy over the past few seasons, and has experience playing in the Champions League.
Emery needs to show ambition with his signings this summer as there is plenty of interest in other key players like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash and Emiliano Martinez, who could all leave the club.
The Spaniard though does not have the capacity to bring back Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio following their successful loan spells.
After missing out on Champions League football on goal difference last season in controversial circumstances, Emery will be desperate to make the top five this time around.