Aston Villa ‘on their way’ for £35m ace but Newcastle United also keen

Aston Villa transfer target Matteo Guendouzi is expected to leave Marseille in the summer window, according to reports in France. The former Arsenal midfielder, who worked with Unai Emery at The Emirates during the 2018-19 season, has earned interest from clubs across Europe having impressed in Ligue 1 this term.

Things went downhill for Guendouzi at Arsenal after he was disciplined by Mikel Arteta for a post-match altercation with Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Neal Maupay, but he has since found form following a couple of loan moves. First sent out to Hertha Berlin and then to Marseille, the Frenchman has since made his move permanent at the latter club.

Villa may be challenging for the European spots already with their current crop, but Emery is set to make some big moves in the transfer window. Guendouzi was listed as a top target in January to deepen the Villans’ midfield options, but nothing ever materialised. The interest remains, but it could prove tough to acquire his services.

L’Equipe reports Villa are “on their way” for Guendouzi but face competition from West Ham United and Newcastle United, as well as a host of Italian teams. The French publication also claims the 24-year-old is “expected to leave [Marseille] at the end of the season”, with a price tag of around €40 million (£35.2 million) touted.

Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz have built up quite the partnership of late, with the likes of John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker stepping in when Kamara has been absent, but adding another midfielder is said to be a priority. Plenty of reports have also linked the Lions with various full-backs, strikers and wingers.

Guendouzi, who signed for Marseille for just £10 million, could be the answer in the centre of the park as he has seriously impressed with 10 goals and 18 assists in 94 appearances for the French giants. Having made his debut in November 2021, the Poissy native has also become a full France international, with one goal and seven caps to his name.