Newcastle United are looking at Matteo Guendouzi after Aston Villa showed interest in the Lazio player, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Unai Emery managed the midfielder at Arsenal, and wanted to reunite with him at Aston Villa
Last month, we covered claims from Italy which said the 25-year-old's chances of ending up at Aston Villa were 'remote' because he had decided to continue at the Serie A side.
Gazzetta now state the Villans recently tried to tempt the midfielder with a EUR25m offer. In the 'last few hours', Newcastle have shown interest in the France international. Guendouzi initially joined the Biancocelesti from Marseille on loan in August 2023 and his stay there has already been made permanent. He played 46 games in all competitions last season.
The player didn't have a good relationship with Igor Tudor, who replaced Maurizio Sarri in March. There were concerns over his continuity, but those calmed after the Italian club appointed Marco Baroni as the Croatian's successor.
After Newcastle showed interest, the Frenchman could still leave Lazio, who would be tempted to change their stance if there's a EUR30m offer.
It also needs to be seen whether Guendouzi can say no to the call from England, should Newcastle United or Aston Villa really go for the push.