Aston Villa line up fresh approach for ‘urgent’ transfer, Wolves ‘plot’ move for new target

Aston Villa have reportedly lined up a fresh approach to pry transfer target Matteo Guendouzi away from Marseille. The former Arsenal midfielder, who has been linked tirelessly with a move to Villa Park this January, is said to be of real priority in Unai Emery’s plans.

Plenty of players have been departing the club recently, leaving the Villans a little light for squad depth. Danny Ings left for West Ham United in a £15 million move, Frederic Guilbert headed to Strasbourg, and Jan Bednarek has been recalled by Southampton. It’s expected the new man in the dugout will bring in a few more fresh faces to counter these departures.

Guendouzi, despite having a tricky end to his time at Arsenal, remains a top player. Becoming a key man for Marseille since departing the Emirates Stadium, first on loan before he sealed a permanent move last summer, Guendouzi has made 81 appearances. In that period he has scored nine goals and assisted a further 18.

According to a Marseille-based publication, La Provence, Villa ‘would like to quickly start moving to try and hire’ Guendouzi with a new tactic. Emery’s side are said to be considering ‘including one of their players in the transaction’ as it could lower Marseille’s asking price somewhat.

The report doesn’t name any individuals who could perhaps be used in a swap deal for Guendouzi, but Marvelous Nakamba has been linked with a potential move away, so his involvement could make sense. It’s worth stressing, however, that there has been nothing concrete to suggest Nakamba would be the one heading in the other direction.

Experienced in three of Europe’s top five leagues and having featured in the Champions League for Marseille, Guendouzi is no doubt a player capable of starting for Villa. He is also match-fit and raring to go immediately as he has played 100% of the minutes available to him in Ligue 1 this season.

Meanwhile, Wolves ‘plot’ move for West Brom ace

In other West Midlands football news, Villa’s rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly ‘setting their sights’ on a player from another club in the region – West Bromwich Albion. Promising young defender Ethan Ingram, who has already earned a call-up for England at U20 level, is a fresh target for Wolves as they look to add depth at right-back.

At 19 years of age, Ingram is yet to play in the Sky Bet Championship for West Brom, but he has been one of their best players at youth level. Making a combined 33 appearances in Premier League 2 across the last two seasons, the Gloucester-born starlet has earned himself interest from a whole host of clubs.

Wanderers, according to a report from Football Insider, are one of the teams interested. They could face serious competition from Queens Park Rangers, however, as they too are keen on bringing in the defender.