Aston Villa could sign the next John McGinn with one summer target that Unai Emery reportedly wants in his squad.
The summer transfer window will be an interesting time for Aston Villa, who look to build on the successes of 2023/24.
Unai Emery and Monchi have already assessed their options in the market, with several possible targets linked with a move to Villa Park.
Reports now suggest that Emery could entertain a reunion with one former Premier League player, as the manager is said to personally want him.
Unai Emery wants to sign Matteo Guendouzi at Aston Villa
A report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has detailed Aston Villa’s interest in Lazio midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi.
The Frenchman was signed at Arsenal by Emery himself and now, it’s suggested that the Spaniard wants a reunion with his former scholar.
Corriere dello Sport claim that the midfielder is ‘tempted’ by a Premier League return, with Emery said to have personally ‘expressed his interest’.
It’s added that Villa would ‘be ready’ to offer a fee of €30m (£25m) to sign the 25-year-old, who has a fragile relationship with Lazio manager Igor Tudor.
The Villa boss purchased Guendouzi at Arsenal in 2018 from Lorient at just 19 years old, handing the France international a place to show his worth in the Premier League.
Guendouzi could be Emery’s clone of John McGinn
Guendouzi was dubbed a ‘monster’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performances at Arsenal, as the Frenchman showed a fearless edge in Emery’s midfield in North London.
The 25-year-old is certainly at the level required to play in the Premier League, particularly after showing his infectious energy with the Gunners at such a young age.
The prospect of striking a deal for the midfielder could be significant for Villa, who must add to their depth in midfield this summer.
One element that could attract Emery to a reunion is the similarities between the France international’s style, and that of John McGinn, who is faultlessly combative at Villa Park.
Guendouzi has a terrier feel to his game, as well as being a player capable of dictating play and breaking the lines.
As cited by FBref, when the Frenchman last played in the Premier League in 2019/20, he ranked in the top 5% of midfielders for his stellar average of 7.26 passes into the final third per 90.
Such strengths resonate with Villa’s style of play, as Emery likes to see play generated from central areas, progressing swiftly from defence to attack.
McGinn has similar strengths, providing attacking quality shown through his 10 goal contributions in 2023/24, via Sofascore, as well we being Villa’s third-best tackler that season, as per WhoScored.
Guendouzi’s style of play certainly charmed Emery at Arsenal and could do the same at Villa, offering the Midlands club a player whose energy matches that of their captain.
The post Unai Emery personally wants £25m ‘monster’ as Aston Villa prepare bid, he’s John McGinn 2.0 appeared first on Aston Villa News.