Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery once said Matteo Guendouzi is an 'angry' player

By Milo Clay

Aston Villa now reportedly want to sign Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi – who Unai Emery once labelled an ‘angry’ player. 

Despite Villa’s shock FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two outfit Stevenage on Sunday, Emery has hit the ground running at Villa Park. 

The Spaniard has guided the Villains to wins over the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Brighton. 

But Emery is looking to bolster his squad this month and has been linked with a surprise move for Guendouzi. 

The 23-year-old played under the Villa boss at Arsenal during his short spell in north London. Foot Mercato reports that Emery has already spoken to Guendouzi about a potential switch to Villa Park, with an offer said to be imminent. 

Of course, Emery knows the player well from their time together in north London and he once praised Guendouzi for his attitude on and off the pitch. 

Emery on Guendouzi 

“With Matteo, last year when he came here he progressed and he is progressing,” Emery told Goal back in 2019.  

“Really I like that spirit he has, he has talent but above all his attitude, his energy, his commitment and his behaviour. He’s one player who is angry when he is not playing but I like that.

“I like that player because when they are angry they are asking you to play, when you decide that they play today they know they have a commitment to give what you need and he is one player, he is improving.

“I want to be calm with him, he is humble and continuing improving and growing up with us.” 

Guendouzi only left Arsenal permanently over the summer after spending a season on loan at Marseille. 

Emery handed the Frenchman his debut at Arsenal and is clearly a huge admirer of the player. 

Villa will need to back Emery in the market this month as he aims to make his mark on this talented side. Guendouzi has performed well since leaving the Premier League and there was a lot of excitement around the player during his Arsenal days. 

If Emery can unlock his full potential, this could turn out to be an inspired move for the Villains.