Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa in the race for Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Matteo Guendouzi, 25, joined Lazio on a season-long loan from Marseille last summer. He had a productive campaign with Lazio, bagging two goals and three assists in 33 Serie A appearances. In April, Lazio decided to turn the Frenchman’s loan into a permanent deal after activating his conditional buyout clause.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, who coached Guendouzi at Arsenal, is keen to bring him back to the Premier League. However, Newcastle United are reportedly trying to hijack the Villans’ move for the 25-year-old, having entered the race “in the last few hours.” Lazio would be open to offers in the region of €30m.
Newcastle set to battle Aston Villa for Matteo Guendouzi
Newcastle United could use more quality and depth in the middle of the park after selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest. Guendouzi could be a quality long-term addition to the Toon Army.
They can provide the 25-year-old with regular game time and develop him into a key player. The Frenchman has Premier League experience, having turned out for Arsenal 57 times in the past. At 25, Guendouzi is about to hit his peak and Newcastle would be able to enjoy it if they can strike a deal with Lazio.
However, Aston Villa supposedly have the upper hand due to the presence of their manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard and Guendouzi shared a good relationship during their time at Arsenal and he is hoping to use it to bring him back to England. The Poissy-born talent can operate in multiple positions across the middle of the park and could help Villa fill the gap left by Douglas Luiz, who has joined Juventus.
Guendouzi would be a smart signing for both clubs if signed at the right price. That said, it remains to be seen which club wins the race for his signature. The French midfielder staying at Lazio after impressing on loan last season also cannot be ruled out at this stage.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
