Exclusive: Aston Villa open preliminary talks to sign 25-yr-old, Emery is a big admirer

Aston Villa have opened preliminary talks over a deal to sign Matteo Guendouzi this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery is a big admirer of the France international after previously signing him in 2018 during his time as Arsenal manager.

Sources say the Villa boss has spoken to Guendouzi personally about joining the Premier League club once the transfer window reopens.

A deal was believed to be close for the 25-year-old at Villa Park in January 2023, but it collapsed and he eventually ended up joining Lazio the following summer on a season-long loan from Marseille.

Guendouzi is on Villa’s shortlist of potential central-midfield targets, with his contract in France set to expire in June 2025.

Matteo Guendouzi could be potential Douglas Luiz replacement at Aston Villa

Emery has long been a fan of Guendouzi after signing him for Arsenal in a £7million deal from Loreint six years ago.

The Frenchman struggled to make much of an impression at the Emirates after Emery was sacked in November 2019, making 82 appearances before joining Marseille in 2021.

After becoming a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side, Lazio secured a deal to sign the midfielder on loan last summer, with the agreement including an obligation-to-buy clause should certain conditions be met.

Guendouzi started in 36 of his 46 appearances for the Serie A club last season, but manager Igor Tudor’s departure has reportedly left a permanent move to the Italian capital in doubt.

Villa have now opened preliminary talks about signing the midfielder as Emery looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.

Guendouzi could be viewed as a potential replacement for Douglas Luiz after Football Insider revealed the Brazilian has reached an agreement in principle with Juventus.

In other news, Everton in move to hijack Aston Villa deal.

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The post Exclusive: Aston Villa open preliminary talks to sign 25-yr-old, Emery is a big admirer appeared first on Football Insider.