Aston Villa target Matteo Guendouzi is valued at around €50m by Marseille, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Unai Emery knows all about the French midfielder following their time together at Arsenal. The midfielder has actually made more appearances under Emery than any other manager, turning out on 66 occasions, where he contributed to five goals.
Guendouzi, hailed as a ‘great player’ by former Hertha Berlin sporting director Arne Friedrich, left Arsenal permanently over the summer, but it looks as if a swift return to the Premier League is a possibility.
Jacobs took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to share what he’s been ‘told’ about Guendouzi.
The journalist said that Guendouzi is ‘open’ to the idea of a reunion with Emery, with Marseille wanting around €50m for his services. He added that Villa’s first offer will be less than that figure, citing a fee worth €25m-€30m plus add-ons.
TIF thoughts on Guendouzi to Villa…
Villa have been linked with a number of players who have worked under Emery in the past, including Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Arnaut Danjuma, Samuel Chukwueze and Nicolas Jackson.
Guendouzi is capable of playing in a variety of midfield roles so would offer plenty of versatility at Villa Park, something which could come in handy as the season goes on.
The France international appears to be finding his feet again back in his native country after his Transfermarkt valuation fell drastically towards the end of his time with Arsenal, so Villa chiefs may need to decide relatively quickly if they are willing to match a €50m asking price, as that would comfortably be a club record fee.