Aston Villa ready first bid for Matteo Guendouzi in transfer window

By Jordan Harris

Aston Villa are prepared to pay up to £35.5 million for Matteo Guendouzi as they ready a first bid for the Frenchman in the January transfer window, according to a report from RMC Sport.

Villa appear to be moving quickly in their pursuit of the 23-year-old. It is not quite as rapid – from the outside, at least – as the moves for the likes of Danny Ings and Calum Chambers. But it seems that the Villans are not hanging around.

Reports from L’Equipe on Tuesday claimed that Guendouzi’s representatives had been approached by a Premier League club. Marseille suspected that it was Villa who had made the move.

Aston Villa readying first bid for Matteo Guendouzi

Foot Mercato reports that Unai Emery has spoken to Guendouzi. And it seems that an opening bid from Villa could be imminent.

According to a report from RMC Sport, Villa are ready to make an offer of £26.6 million. Meanwhile, they are prepared to go up to a figure of around £35.5 million. That would include bonuses.

Guendouzi is unsure about whether he wishes to stay at Stade Velodrome. A move to Villa Park would see the midfielder reunited with Unai Emery, who managed him at Arsenal.

Guendouzi has taken his career to another level during his time back in France. His ‘exceptional‘ quality has rarely been questioned. However, he has come in for criticism due to his temperament.

He appeared to frustrate Mikel Arteta during the latter stages of his time at the Emirates. He spent the subsequent two years out on loan before leaving permanently in 2022.

But he would be an exciting signing for Villa. FBRef suggests that he is similar to Luka Modric. And he may relish the chance to return to the Premier League.