Aston Villa and Newcastle 'overtaken' by Premier League rival in race to sign ex-Arsenal star

Aston Villa and Newcastle have been knocked back in their attempts to sign a former Premier League midfielder.

Newcastle want to sign a new midfielder to join the squad, with Joelinton's future uncertain at St James' Park.

Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, as Unai Emery lost one of his best young talents at the club.

Harvey Elliott's loan move from Liverpool to Aston Villa could be terminated, meaning Emery could be open to signing another midfielder in the January transfer window.

Sunderland the front-runner in Matteo Guendouzi race

Emery has worked with Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi previously at Arsenal, and the Spaniard would like to reunite with the 26-year-old at Villa Park.

However, as per Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, [21 November], Sunderland have "overtaken" Aston Villa and Newcastle by making a "very concrete move" for Guendouzi.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has previously worked with Guendouzi at French club Lorient before his move to Arsenal.

Lazio will "consider any major offers" they receive for the Frenchman, the newspaper reports.

Guendouzi is a 'big character' says Gary Neville

Guendouzi has made 57 Premier League appearances, and during his time at Arsenal, former Man United defender Gary Neville was impressed by the midfielder.

"Since the moment he came into the team, Guendouzi, he has looked like a big character and a leader," Neville told Sky Sports after Arsenal were beaten 3-0 at Man City in 2020.

"He gets on the ball all the time, he shows great courage to play and he’s always demanding from his teammates.

"He’s not (a squad player). You see him on the pitch, he’s always got his arms stretched, looking over his shoulder. He demands from himself but also others."