Aston Villa ‘open talks’ to reignite interest in former Unai Emery favourite

It’s become rather public knowledge that the Villans are attempting a midfield revamp this summer as Ross Barkley is on his way for £5 million from Luton Town, Douglas Luiz is set to leave for Juventus in a dramatic swap deal, and Conor Gallagher has been heavily linked.

That theme is expected to continue as yet more midfield targets are being discussed internally. One of these, Football Insider claims, is Matteo Guendouzi. It’s reported that Villa are eager to re-enter negotiations after seeing talks break down in previous transfer windows.

Emery, who worked with Guendouzi at Arsenal in 2018, is a huge admirer and has been keeping tabs on his career progression. It’s stated that Emery has spoken directly to the Frenchman about joining Villa when the Premier League transfer window opens, imminently.

Now 25 years of age and heading into his prime, Guendouzi has just spent a season on loan at Serie A giants Lazio. It was a successful move as he played 46 times across all competitions, netting three goals and contributing four assists from a deep-lying playmaker role.

Guendouzi’s future up in the air amid Villa links

The former Gunner, who began his career at FC Lorient in Ligue 1, is set to head back to Olympique Marseille following the conclusion of his Lazio loan. His contract at OM doesn’t expire for another four years, meaning the French club have control over Guendouzi’s future.

It awaits to be seen just how much the eight-time France international - valued at €25 million (£21.1 million) by Transfermarkt - would cost but he would offer great tenacity and physicality to Villa’s midfield.