Aston Villa told what they ‘must do’ to land Matteo Guendouzi, Wolves leave it late with transfer

Aston Villa have reportedly been told what they need to do to sign Matteo Guendouzi on transfer deadline day, as Marseille grow increasingly confident in keeping their midfield ace. The clock is ticking for a deal to be reached and it is getting less likely as the hours go on.

Listed widely as Unai Emery’s top priority target before the end of the window, Guendouzi has been linked tirelessly with a move to Villa Park over recent weeks. It is no wonder why, with Villa in great need of midfield depth to increase their chances of qualifying for European football.

According to Le Equipe, “Marseille have closed the door to a transfer for Guendouzi” for now, but they could be encouraged to sell if a “very big offer” is made. The Villans have already been in contact with the player’s representatives, it is now just a matter of bidding enough.

Marseille reportedly accept that a “last-minute approach cannot be ruled out”, as Emery is very fond of Guendouzi and Villa have the financial resources to complete a deal. As has been the way with much of the Lions’ transfer business this month, however, they will not make any rash decisions.

Two deals have been completed so far in the window, with left-back Alex Moreno coming in from Real Betis for around £12.5 million and £15 million striker Jhon Duran signed from Chicago Fire. There is still no new winger for Emery, though, so there could be some late movement there.

Meanwhile, Wolves leaving it late for transfer

In other West Midlands football news, Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are leaving it late to sign Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, with less than 48 hours left until the deadline. The 19-year-old, who looked set to join Wolves for weeks, had his move delayed by a late approach from Lyon.

Wanderers agreed to a £15 million fee with Flamengo at the start of January but things were complicated when Ligue 1 giants Lyon made a bid of around £1 million more. The player had already made his decision by then, though, as he was desperate to move to Molineux instead.

Finally, after a lengthy stand-off, Flamengo have decided to let the deal come to its conclusion, with Gomes now expected to be announced as a Wolves player imminently. The 20-year-old, who has been looked at by Liverpool in the past, has already passed a medical examination ahead of his big transfer.

Gomes has played 119 times in all competitions for Flamengo since debuting in November 2020. Playing 42 matches as a central midfielder, 35 as a defensive anchor, five as a left winger and two at a more advanced position, Gomes has directly contributed four goals and three assists.