Aston Villa's summer transfer window is heating up as the club's President of Football Operations, Monchi, jets off to Turin for pivotal discussions with Juventus officials. The Villans, who recently clinched a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season, are determined to strengthen their squad and have set their sights on two Juventus players.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Monchi has been actively shopping Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is reportedly seeking a new challenge. Valued at around €40 million (£34.5 million) by Aston Villa, Luiz's potential departure could pave the way for the club to finance further squad improvements.
The 25-year-old's situation has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, but Monchi's visit to Turin suggests that Juventus could be leading the race.
Monchi's meeting with Juventus management not only involved discussions about Luiz's future but also enquiries about two of their players: American midfielder Weston McKennie and Argentine winger Matias Soule.
McKennie, whose contract expires in 2025, has been a key figure in Juventus' midfield and could be available for around €15 million (£13 million). Aston Villa had previously shown interest in the 25-year-old, and a move to Villa Park could be on the cards.
Monchi also gathered information on the promising young winger Matias Soule, who impressed during his loan spell at Frosinone last season. The 21-year-old, regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in European football, has caught the attention of Aston Villa. Juventus are believed to be open to selling Soule, with a valuation of at least €30 million (£25 million).
Interestingly, the combined valuation of McKennie and Soule is just €5 million (£4.3 million) short of Aston Villa's asking price for Douglas Luiz, sparking rumours of a potential swap deal. Such a move could see Luiz head to Turin, with one or both of the Juventus players moving in the opposite direction, providing a win-win situation for both clubs.
Soule's impressive performances during his loan spell at Frosinone last season, where he scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances, have not gone unnoticed by Aston Villa. The young Argentine has showcased his ability to create space, generate powerful shots, and set up chances for his teammates.
While he may need time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, his potential to become a world-class winger makes him an enticing prospect for the Villans.
As Aston Villa gear up for their return to Champions League football, Monchi's efforts to bolster the squad with quality additions from Serie A demonstrate the club's determination to make a mark on both the domestic and European stages.
The outcome of these transfer discussions with Juventus could significantly shape Aston Villa's squad for the upcoming season, as they look to compete with the best in Europe while maintaining their Premier League status.