Mikel Arteta replaced Unai Emery at Arsenal in December 2019 after the latter was sacked.
The Gunners had to go through a big transition following the departure of Arsene Wenger, and Emery was viewed as the chosen one.
The Spaniard was backed in the transfer market and signed several players, but he just couldn’t get the results that were needed.
One of the players Emery signed at Arsenal was Matteo Guendouzi, and the former Gunners boss has remained a big fan of him over the years.
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesUnai Emery tried to sign former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi for Aston Villa
Guendouzi signed for Arsenal from Lorient in 2018 and became an instant fan favourite.
Unai Emery put his full trust in him in his debut campaign, and the French midfielder produced a number of excellent performances.
However, after Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal, Guendouzi fell out with the current Gunners boss and was banished from the side.
He was sent out on loan twice and then sold permanently to Marseille in the summer of 2022. A year later, he joined Lazio on loan, and that move was made permanent last year.
Now, La Lazio Siamo Noi have revealed that Guendouzi’s poor performances this season have not gone down well with the Biancocelesti, who are ready to offload him.
The report says there is plenty of interest from the Premier League, but what’s even more interesting is that Emery is said to have tried to sign him for Aston Villa in the summer.
The two worked well together at Arsenal, and there’s no reason why they cannot reignite that partnership. However, it remains to be seen if Aston Villa go back in for him in 2026.
Matteo Guendouzi could’ve been a hero at Arsenal
Guendouzi produced a sensational debut campaign at Arsenal, even though he was just 18 years old at the time. The Frenchman impressed everybody.
Fans loved his passion, energy and personality on the pitch, and he had bags of talent under his belt as well. Every fan at the Emirates felt that he was the future of their midfield.
But Guendouzi’s falling out with Arteta ruined everything, and he is now struggling to live up to the initial hype at Lazio.
However, Emery knows how to bring the best out of Guendouzi, so if he signs him for Aston Villa, he could come good again.
Irrespective of what happens, Arsenal fans will not be too bothered as they have moved on to bigger and better things since he left the club.