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Aston Villa have an important couple of months ahead of them on the transfer front
Aston Villa could do with adding some more competition and depth to their ranks this summer. They have the chance to bring in some new faces over the next couple of months. The Midlands outfit also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed.
Unai Emery was brought in as their manager back in 2022 and has since done an impressive job. Prior to his move, he had spells with the likes of PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal, among others. He is gearing up for another campaign in charge at Villa Park at the moment.
Aston Villa target Matteo Guendouzi deal
Aston Villa could make an ‘offer’ for Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in this window, according to Corierre della Sera. The report suggests the player has a valuation of £43million. He is also said to be on the radar of Newcastle United.
Guendouzi, 26, is a France international with 14 caps under his belt so far. He joined his current club back in 2023 on an initial loan deal that was later made permanent. The Poissy-born man has since become one of their most prized assets and they could face a battle to keep hold of him in the near future.
He started his senior career at FC Lorient after a spell in the academy at PSG. Arsenal lured him over to England in 2018 after his breakthrough in Ligue 1 as a youngster. He went on to play 82 matches for the Gunners during his days at the Emirates Stadium, as well as having loan spells away from London at Hertha Berlin and Marseille to get more experience and boost his development.
Would Matteo Guendouzi suit Aston Villa?
Aston Villa could see Guendouzi as someone to boost their midfield department. If he joined, he would give them something different to call upon in the middle of the park. In addition, he would battle it out with the likes of Youri Tielemens, John McGinn and Amadou Onana for a place in the starting XI. R
Regarding his time at Arsenal, Guendouzi has since said in an interview: "It’s true that I didn’t have the best relationship with him (Mikel Arteta). Beyond that, I always tried to work, always gave the maximum of myself in training and in matches. I still play a few matches with him, I still did great performances.
“He preferred other players and I respect that decision. That’s why, afterwards, I also decided to leave because I was still young, I needed playing time to continue to progress. The most important when you’re young is to play."
Aston Villa missed out on the Champions League last term and will have to make do with being in the Europa League now. They were beaten away at Manchester United on the final day at Old Trafford and didn’t make the top five in the end which was a blow. Nevertheless, Emery will be confident that his team can pick themselves back up and try again next time around.
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