Aston Villa likely knew they’d have a difficult task keeping Douglas Luiz at the club following his impressive form under Dean Smith, and it seems that Juventus have now entered the race for his signature.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, intermediaries have offered Luiz to the Italian outfit and his former club Manchester City, so his future at Villa Park is uncertain.
The Brazilian made nine Premier League appearances this season, winning eight tackles and 12 aerial duels, making eight clearances, completing 84.5% of his 386 passes, recording six successful dribbles, creating eight chances and making 11 interceptions. [WhoScored]
Juventus are reportedly on the hunt for a central midfielder but it remains to be seen if they’ll move for Luiz. While Man City need a replacement for Fernandinho when his contract expires next summer, they only have until the end of the season to trigger the 22-year-old’s buyback clause of €25m (£22.67m).
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Smith, who has called the midfielder ‘unbelievable’ in the past, may not need to worry unduly about losing him.
City have Rodri who can play in Fernandinho’s role and have been linked with Denis Zakaria as a replacement. Juventus haven’t actually been credited with showing an interest in Luiz, so they might not even make a move.
The Brazilian international is contracted until 2023 and only needs to last the season without City making an approach for his buyback close to expire, so do Villa have a good chance to keep him?
In other news, Aston Villa have been linked with a midfielder from one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’.
