Aston Villa could still look to complete the signing of Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in the summer transfer window, expert Dean Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Guendouzi linked with Villa move

The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to Villa Park throughout January as reports even claimed a contract offer was made to the player, as Unai Emery eyed up a former student to reinforce his midfield.

In the end, Guendouzi ended up staying put at Marseille, however, where he has made a total of 20 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season.

The 23-year-old could depart at the end of the season, though, and Villa could be hovering once again when that time arrives.

The Latest: Summer transfer on the cards?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Jones claimed that Villa's interest in the former Arsenal man could resurface in the summer:

"It wouldn’t surprise me if the link came back onto the radar.

"I’d say it also depends how Marseille’s season plays out. I think they had a reasonably good transfer window themselves, and it might be quite an exciting place for him to be."

The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Guendouzi is someone who could represent an excellent option for Villa moving forward, as he continues to mature as a footballer all the time.

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During his Arsenal days he was still very young and immature, but he is now a key figure for one of France's leading teams, averaging an 88.8% pass completion rate and 1.2 tackles per game in the league this season, showing both sides to his game.

Guendouzi has been hailed for his 'contagious' approach and incredible attitude by Jorge Sampaoli in the past, not to mention making one appearance for France at the 2022 World Cup, and he should be coming into his best years now.

Fresh blood is required in Villa's midfield, in order to ensure it doesn't stagnate with the same players in it year after year, and the Marseille leader can be that man to come in and add quality and bite alongside compatriot Boubacar Kamara.