Aston Villa’s potential move for Mattéo Guendouzi would leave fans “in mourning” were it to happen this month.
That’s according to former Marseille player Éric Di Meco, who believes the French side will be unable to keep hold of the midfielder.
Aston Villa were linked with a move for Guendouzi yesterday, with a report explaining that Unai Emery could offer up to €40m to secure the services of the 23-year-old by the end of this month.
The Spanish boss is eyeing up several new signings this month as he looks to reshape the squad he inherited from Steven Gerrard.
Guendouzi is an old acquaintance, with the midfielder making 66 appearances under Emery during their time together at Arsenal.
That is presumably why Emery is keen on a reunion and Di Meco believes that Marseille will face a struggle to keep hold of him if Aston Villa’s interest is as serious as has been suggested.
“If he were to leave, I would be in mourning. I like this player a lot. (…) For me, Guendouzi is the X factor,” RMC Sport report him saying.
“I’m not sure what to expect from him, but I’m sure he’ll be a great player for me. He runs everywhere, he puts his foot down, he is unbearable, he is a great player. Qualities that we like here.
“How can you blame a club like OM, which has not always done well in recent years, which has only the championship and the French cup to turn the boys around. How can you blame OM for not listening to this club’s proposal?
“How can you blame Guendouzi, according to the contract he is offered, for leaving? That’s what’s terrible. Unfortunately, a French club like OM cannot compete with the English league.”
