Italian Giants Set Their Sights On Villa Star In Potential Swap Deal

Italian Giants Set Their Sights On Villa Star In Potential Swap Deal

Juventus have made Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz one of their top targets for the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian side have been in regular negotiations with Villa over a potential move but transfer expert Romano has reported that the only way a deal will be agreed is if it includes a player swap as well as a fee.

Samuel Ilang Jr and Weston McKennie have both been discussed as possible options to head to Villa Park in exchange.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Juventus and Aston Villa spoke again today about Douglas Luiz deal with players included.

Samuel Iling Jr has been discussed as option as reported today, with Weston McKennie too + cash for #AVFC.

↪️ The only way to make it happen remains to include players in swap deal. pic.twitter.com/zAfPOmSXcX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2024

Why do Juventus want Luiz?

Juventus’s interest in Luiz comes off the back of an outstanding campaign from the Brazilian.

Under Unai Emery, Luiz played a vital role in midfield for Villa in 2023/24 as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stages for the first time in 41 years.

The 26-year-old ended the season with twenty goal contributions in all competitions, his highest ever tally in a singular season and the third most of any Villa player last campaign.

As a result of his impressive performances, Luiz has also featured for the Brazilian national team on various occasions during the 2023/24 season and has 14 caps to date.

Only Mohamed Salah (11) has scored more Premier League home goals this season than Douglas Luiz (9).

He's scored more league goals in 2023/24 (9) than in his three previous seasons combined. 💪 pic.twitter.com/RriUYdaQLF

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 24, 2024

Are there any other clubs interested in Luiz?

Whilst Juventus seem to be the current front runners for the midfielder’s signature, it is no secret that many clubs admire the Brazilian’s quality.

Of those clubs, Premier League runners-up Arsenal have made their interest most apparent. The north-London club made a late move for Luiz in the 2022 summer transfer window but were not willing to meet Villa’s asking price for the player. Despite the deal falling through, Luiz was pushing to join the Gunners and had agreed on personal terms with the club.

When Thomas Partey picked up a significant injury in October 2023, Arsenal once again looked into acquiring a midfielder during the transfer window.

Like the year prior, Romano reported that Luiz was top of the Gunners’ shopping list, however Villa were not willing to part ways with the player at the time.

🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are gonna look again into the midfielders market in January after Thomas injury.

Understand Douglas Luiz remains the fav option in #AFC list since long time, Arsenal love him but ambitious #AVFC want to keep Douglas. Not easy.

🎥 More: https://t.co/gIzF5U3XI7 pic.twitter.com/ueq08pwthB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2023

With it looking likely that Partey will depart Mikel Arteta’s side this summer, it would not be a surprise to see Arsenal try their luck once more to lure Luiz to the Emirates Stadium.