Sources: Aston Villa open talks to sign Matteo Guendouzi in swap deal
Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Marseille star Matteo Guendouzi and have discussed offering a player in part-exchange, sources have told Football Insider.
The former Arsenal man has emerged as one of Villa’s top targets for the rest of the January window as Unai Emery works on recruiting a top-class central midfielder.
Negotiations have begun with Marseille over a deal for Guendouzi, who is valued at around the £30million mark by his club.
It is believed that Villa have discussed a cash plus player part-exchange and have suggested Morgan Sanson is part of the deal.
Sanson, 28, has flopped at the Midlands giants since joining from Marseille in January 2021 in a £14m deal.
Emery has already made personal contact with Guendouzi and explained how he sees him fitting in to the Villa team.
Guendouzi was signed by Arsenal in 2018 from Lorient when Emery was in charge and the manager subsequently tried to re-sign the midfielder when he was the Villarreal boss.
The Spaniard is a huge admirer of the technical ability and tenacity of the midfielder, who he believes has the dynamism to improve his side.
Guendouzi was a member of France’s World Cup squad that made the final and has revived his career during his two seasons at Marseille, who he initially joined on loan before completing a permanent move last summer.
Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara were the central midfield starters for Villa in their 2-1 Premier League win against Leeds United on Friday night.
Sanson came off the bench to replace Jacob Ramsey late on in what was just his second league appearance of the season, both of which have been brief substitute cameos.
John McGinn, who is also a regular in midfield, missed the match due to injury while Marvelous Nakamba was an unused substitute.
In other news, Aston Villa ready to accept offer for first teamer who starts every match