Aston Villa target sends cryptic message amid interest, Wolves ‘book medical’ for player

Aston Villa transfer target Matteo Guendouzi has put out a cryptic message on social media amid speculation linking him to a reunion with Unai Emery. The new man in the Villa Park dugout, who worked with the midfielder while at Arsenal, is reportedly eager on bringing him in as his second signing after Alex Moreno.

Guendouzi had a tricky end to his career at Arsenal as he was largely frozen out by Mikel Arteta after the midfielder showed a lack of professionalism in a defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion. The 23-year-old was caught up in a scrap with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay and struggled to get a consistent run of games afterward.

The Frenchman remains a top player, though, and he has become a key man for Marseille since departing the Emirates Stadium. First with the French Ligue 1 side on loan for a campaign, before he sealed a permanent move last summer, Guendouzi has made 78 appearances, scoring eight goals and assisting a further 18.

According to a report from Mail Online, Guendouzi is ‘keen to reunite with Emery in January’ as the ex-Arsenal boss ‘is planning’ to bring his former colleague back to the Premier League. Mail Online is not the only publication to claim this, as there has been plenty of speculation elsewhere. It is said his services could be available for around £30 million.

The player himself put out a rather timely post on social media last night (January 11) and, depending on interpretation, it could be either good or bad news for Villa supporters. Following a 2-0 away win at Troyes, the Marseille man tweeted three photos with the caption: “Comme à la maison,” which in English means, “like at home.”

One explanation could be that Guendouzi was eager to show his loyalty to Marseille, batting away transfer speculation. Another could be that he simply meant his side played just as well on the road as they have on home soil. If it is the latter, then Villa fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as it would keep a move for Guendouzi very much still on the cards.

Meanwhile, Wolves ‘book’ medical for player

In other news, Villa’s rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly closed in on the signing of former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina. The Athletic claims talks between Wolves and Nice, the 29-year-old’s current club, have progressed with Julen Lopetegui’s side ‘hopeful of concluding a deal’.

Reports in France suggest that Lemina is expected to undergo a medical with Wolves this week as Lopetegui looks to add depth to his midfield. The new man in the dugout has made it no secret that there are not enough options in his current squad, but the imminent arrival of Lemina should solve that issue.