Arsenal to receive unexpected transfer bonus if former Gunners star makes surprise Premier League return

Mikel Arteta could be handed extra transfer funds if Matteo Guendouzi completes a prospective move to Aston Villa.

Arsenal have been busy in the January market, trying to secure the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Gunners have already seen two bids worth up to £62 million rejected for the Ukrainian, though all parties remain in talks.

Shakhtar have publicly claimed they want a fee in the region of £88million for the 22-year-old, citing the money paid by Premier League clubs for Antony and Jack Grealish as justification for such a hefty price tag.

In turn, the Gunners are some £20million off the Ukrainian side’s valuation of the player and may need to generate extra funds to secure Mudryk, their No.1 transfer target.

However, they may be able to generate some extra funds from an unlikely source.

Guendouzi to Villa?

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa has told his staff to sign Marseille and France star Guendouzi, according to reports in France.

Emery signed the 23-year-old while he was Arsenal boss in 2018 for just £7million and the midfielder went on to make 48 Gunners appearances in his debut season.

However, he fell out of favour under Arteta and was sent out on loan to Hertha Berlin, before moving back to France with Marseille.

Emery has reportedly already held talks with Guendouzi, who is valued at £27million. Indeed, it’s a deal that could see Arsenal make some money.

Last summer Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar told the Athletic that though Guendouzi signed for Marseille for the relatively modest fee of £9.7million the Gunners put a sell on clause in the deal.

In turn, if the France star makes a move to Villa for the fee touted, Mikel Arteta’s side stand to profit.