An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their pursuit of Matteo Guendouzi during the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are now hopeful of striking an agreement with Ligue 1 side Marseille as Johan Lange attempts to sign the Frenchman before the deadline on Tuesday of next week.

The report claims that the Premier League outfit have already held talks over a potential deal for the central midfielder and that they could offer a player in exchange to tempt the French club into cashing in.

It is stated that Marseille value the former Arsenal enforcer at £30m but it remains to be seen whether or not Lange is willing to match that price before the window slams shut.

Conor Hourihane 2.0

Unai Emery and Lange could land Villa their next version of Irish maestro Conor Hourihane by getting a deal over the line for Guendouzi before the end of the month.

The former Villans magician enjoyed a successful time at the club during Dean Smith's tenure in charge as the midfielder hit his peak in a claret and blue shirt between the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns.

Hourihane produced seven goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances as Villa won promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and followed that up by contributing with three goals and five assists, whilst creating eight 'big chances' for his teammates, in 27 outings in the top-flight.

The now-Derby County ace had a penchant for chipping in with goal contributions from midfield and Guendouzi could come in and provide similar qualities in that position.

In Ligue 1 this season, the 23-year-old has scored once and provided three assists in 14 appearances but this comes after he managed four goals and eight assists in the French top-flight in the 2021/22 campaign.

Guendouzi, who was previously lauded for his "incredible" display by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored nine goals and delivered 18 assists for his teammates in 81 outings for Marseille in all competitions since leaving England and this indicates that the gem has the quality to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position.

Therefore, the former Arsenal warrior could be the next version of Hourihane for Villa by coming in and being a difference-maker in matches by bursting forward from the middle of the park to chip in with vital goals and assists, as the Irishman did on an almost regular basis under Smith.

Guendouzi is yet to prove his quality in the final third in the Premier League, after scoring once in 82 matches for the Gunners, but his form for Marseille over the last 18 months indicates that the midfield maestro has what it takes to be an excellent addition to Emery's squad.