Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece has shared some behind-the-scenes details regarding the club’s reported transfer interest in Matteo Guendouzi.
The Midlands club have been linked with a move for the Marseille midfielder in recent weeks and have reportedly sent a bid to sign him on Unai Emery’s request.
In a recent online Q&A for Birmingham Mail, Preece was asked what the latest was surrounding Guendouzi and Villa’s reported interest in him.
In response, the journalist had this to say on the matter: “Guendouzi, no official bid, I’m told. Discussions ongoing. Guendouzi is open to idea of PL return. Loves Emery as well…”
During his time with Arsenal, the midfielder scored one goal and provided five assists in 82 appearances across all competitions, with 66 of those appearances coming under Emery.
Having made 80 appearances for Marseille, the 23-year-old has become more of an impactful player in terms of delivering goal contributions as he’s found the net eight times and supplied 18 assists for his current side.
Would Guendouzi be a good fit at Aston Villa?
Yes
No
As well as being a useful threat in front of goal, Guendouzi has also shown how much of a capable player he is in possession and being able to move the ball around the pitch.
For example, as well as having the third-highest passing accuracy percentage (86.4%) out of players at Marseille that have made more than two passes in Ligue 1 this season, the former Arsenal figure also has the third-highest number of passes that have entered the final third of the pitch (82).
Previously described as a player that has “world-class” potential by talent scout Jacek Kulig, if Emery wants to reunite with Guendouzi, it’ll be because he knows what he can get from the player and what the Frenchman would be able to offer Villa on the pitch.
With all of that in mind, with discussions ongoing according to Preece, we feel that if the manager is keen on adding the midfielder to his ranks before the end of the month, the club should do all they can to make that happen.