Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly eyeing a move for Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

The Lowdown: History under Emery

The 23-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but can also line out in holding or attacking midfield roles if required.

He sealed a permanent move to Marseille in the summer but has actually made more appearances under Emery than any other manager, with the Spaniard having signed him for Arsenal in 2018.

A reunion between the pair in the Premier League could be on the cards, with a transfer update emerging over the last 24 hours.

The Latest: Emery’s exchange with Guendouzi

Foot Mercato shared a story on Wednesday morning regarding Emery and Guendouzi, claiming that the Villa manager ‘adores’ the French midfielder.

The report says that a Villa Park offer could soon arrive and added that ‘Emery very recently exchanged with Guendouzi’ and ‘explained to him that he wanted to recruit him as a priority this winter’, hinting that contact may have already been held over a potential transfer.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if Emery is the one personally driving a potential swoop for Guendouzi, who has impressed back in his native country with Marseille.

He was the club’s sixth-best performer in Ligue 1 last season with an average match rating of 7.00 – a better score than Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey during the previous campaign. [SofaScore]

Emery will know all about the player’s qualities and what the Frenchman could bring to the Midlands, so this may well be another link to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.