Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Aston Villa chase Lazio star, Fulham target Luton Town man, Newcastle United open to forward exit

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 June 2024

Transfer rumours: Villa chase Lazio star, Fulham target Luton man, Newcastle open to forward exit

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Aston Villa targeting a former Arsenal midfielder and Fulham identifying a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who has previously worked under Unai Emery.

While the West Midlands outfit have secured a place in next season's Champions League, they are seemingly under pressure to generate funds in order to pass the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Douglas Luiz is allegedly likely to sign for Juventus, with two players moving to Villa in part-exchange, and it appears that Emery is eager to bring in further competition for the engine room in the form of a player that he worked with at Arsenal.

According to Football Insider, Villa have opened discussions with Lazio regarding the potential addition of Guendouzi.

The France international has just made 36 starts and 10 substitute outings this campaign, yet having just one year left on his deal leaves Lazio vulnerable to offers.

Emery signed Guendouzi within weeks of his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in 2018 and subsequently provided the then-19-year-old with 33 appearances in the Premier League that season.

Luton Town's Teden Mengi celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Fulham are taking an interest in Luton Town defender Teden Mengi as a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo, who has joined Chelsea.

The Cottagers were powerless to prevent the 26-year-old from departing on a free transfer at the end of his contract, and it leaves Marco Silva attempting to find value in the market.

As per the Evening Standard, Mengi remains high up on Fulham's shortlist ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

One of Luton's star men from last season was allegedly a target in January before it became apparent that a transfer would not materialise, but their subsequent relegation to the Championship makes it likely that the 22-year-old will leave Kenilworth Road.

Former Manchester United youngster Mengi made a total of 30 appearances in the top flight last season, albeit largely in a back three that is rarely used by Silva.

Crystal Palace - who do use a back three under Oliver Glasner - are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron celebrates scoring their second goal on December 16, 2023. © Reuters

Switching to the final third of the pitch and Newcastle United are reportedly open to cashing in on Miguel Almiron.

The 30-year-old is a popular figure at St James' Park and has offered value for money for the £21m that was shelled out on his signature in January 2019.

However, just three goals and one assist came from 23 starts and 10 substitute outings in the Premier League during 2023-24.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are prepared to listen to offers for the Paraguay international during the summer window.

Newcastle are in a position where they must strengthen their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules and selling Almiron would help with that effort.

Two years remain on the contract of the playmaker and it appears unlikely that a renewal will be offered at this stage.