Arsenal could be set to cash in through a sell-on clause as Aston Villa pursue a move for Matteo Guendouzi of Olympique de Marseille.

Over the summer, it was reported that Matteo Guendouzi has a sell-on clause with Olympique de Marseille, after completing a permanent transfer for a modest €10-11m fee.

At the time, it didn’t seem particularly likely that clause would have an immediate impact on Arsenal. But just a few months later, the Gunners could be set to cash in.

L’Equipe reported on Tuesday that Aston Villa were potentially interested in signing Guendouzi from Marseille, reuniting him with Unai Emery.

Foot Mercato then added that Villa have made Guendouzi’s signing a priority, with Emery already speaking to the player to convince him of the move.

As it stands, FM claim Villa haven’t yet submitted an offer, but there’s a good chance they’ll place a bid soon.

Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport claims Villa are ready to make a first offer of €30m for the midfielder, and they could go up to €40m including bonuses.

Hawkins adds that Marseille could let Guendouzi go for a good offer, despite the 23-year-old only recently arriving permanently.

After a second-place league finish last season, Marseille fans will likely feel underwhelmed at a lack of progress from their side this campaign.

They were eliminated at the group stage from the Champions League – failing to even drop into the Europa League – and they’re third in Ligue 1.

Having said that, things aren’t exactly much better at Aston Villa, down in 11th place, out of the cups, and with no imminent prospect of European football.

It’s probably going to take some convincing from Emery that Villa would be a step up for Guendouzi. If he succeeds, Arsenal will profit.