Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing 26-year-old French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from Serie A club Lazio in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Matteo Guendouzi has garnered a market in the Premier League, and a return to the English top flight may be on the cards for the 26-year-old Lazio midfielder. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are keen on signing the former Arsenal midfielder, with the player having a release clause of €50 million in his contract with the Serie A club.
How has Matteo Guendouzi fared since leaving Arsenal?
Matteo Guendouzi has come leaps and bounds since leaving Arsenal a few years ago. The French midfielder’s stint with the North London outfit ended due to his attitude issues, and he returned to France by joining Marseille. Meanwhile, Lazio initially signed him from Marseille on an initial loan deal in August 2023 before completing a permanent move 12 months later.
The 26-year-old has made considerable progress during his spell with Lazio, establishing himself as one of the most dependable midfielders in Serie A. Guendouzi has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for the Biancocelesti while chipping in with four goals and nine assists.
Meanwhile, Guendouzi’s progress at the Serie A club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League outfits, in particular, are keen on signing the Frenchman in the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Premier League return on the horizon?
Matteo Guendouzi has been on Aston Villa’s radar for nearly a year. The continued interest makes sense, with Unai Emery demanding more options in the middle of the park. So, while Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara have been excellent for Aston Villa, the Lazio midfielder is an option worth considering for the West Midlands outfit.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are combing the market for a midfielder this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Sean Longstaff’s long-term future. In addition, recent reports have linked Joelinton with a move away from St. James’ Park. So, Guendouzi is a viable target for Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Frenchman has a release clause worth €50 million in his contract with Lazio, and it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa and Newcastle United are ready to fork out the required sum to secure his services. Meanwhile, the two Premier League bigwigs will face stiff competition from Sunderland for his signature.