Aston Villa in talks with Arsenal fan favourite as he agreed deal unfortunately…
Aston Villa are reportedly in talks to sign former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, aiming to reunite him with his former Gunners’ manager, Unai Emery.
The 25-year-old Frenchman was one of Emery‘s first signings for Arsenal in 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite for his energetic displays and passionate performances. However, his Arsenal career stalled after Emery‘s departure and clashes with Mikel Arteta.
Despite a promising start, Guendouzi‘s Arsenal career took a turn for the worse under Arteta. He was reportedly involved in several disciplinary incidents, including a training ground altercation with a teammate and an incident during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai where he removed his shirt and waved it around in support of a local act.
This led to a breakdown in his relationship with Arteta, and he was subsequently loaned out to Hertha Berlin and Marseille before being sold to the latter.
Guendouzi has since rebuilt his career, impressing during his loan spell at Lazio last season, where he made 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Emery, who has transformed Aston Villa‘s fortunes since his arrival, sees Guendouzi as a key addition to his midfield after trying to sign him for Villa previously.
A potential move to Villa Park would offer Guendouzi the opportunity to reunite with a manager who clearly believes in his abilities. It would also allow him to return to the Premier League, where we could all watch his mad brand of football more closely.
Jack Grealish’s career is at something of a crossroads after he was left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.
The former Aston Villa captain has won seven pieces of silverware at Man City since joining them in the summer of 2021, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League. But after suffering the devastating blow following a stop-start league campaign, where does Grealish go from here?
Our Claret & Blue live show panel of Ashley Preece, James Rushton, Mat Kendrick and John Townley were asked about Grealish and if they’d take him back at Villa. Here’s what they said…
Ashley: “Nah. Nah, he had his time and he chased the dream. He got his dream and to come back now … I think he had his time. He did everything he could for us, got us up and as a player he was unreal. I was the biggest champion of his. He has been wasted at Man City. Not for me, no.”
James: “I have moved on. I don’t want to go through it again if Real Madrid go in for him after he has a good season! You don’t get the benefit of having that £100m straight in your books. I think it takes a lot away from Villa’s project.”
Mat: “I would have him back. I just think it’s like your childhood sweetheart has left you for a better looking fella, if you like. But now you’ve got yourself in shape and you’re a more attractive proposition. The little bit of love still flickers. I’m a Villa fan, but I am a realist. Dwight Yorke was the one for me when I thought we were on the brink of something and that he was the man to take us there.
