Champions League club set to raid Aston Villa for midfield maestro

Juventus have set their sights on Aston Villa's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz as a potential successor to Adrien Rabiot, whose future in Turin remains uncertain.

As Juventus welcome new coach Thiago Motta, the club is gearing up for a busy summer transfer window. With Adrien Rabiot's contract set to expire in June, the Bianconeri are exploring options to bolster their midfield. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Douglas Luiz has emerged as a prime target for the Serie A powerhouse.

The Italian club is considering a player swap deal to lower the cost of acquiring the 26-year-old Villa star. Weston McKennie and Matias Soule are being discussed as potential makeweights in the deal. Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has already met with Juventus representatives to discuss the situation, with McKennie, valued at £13 million, attracting interest from the English club.

Douglas Luiz has been a driving force behind Aston Villa's remarkable achievements in the 2023-24 season. The Brazilian midfielder played a crucial role in the team's qualification for the Champions League, contributing nine goals and five assists in 35 Premier League appearances. Since joining the Midlands club in 2019, Luiz has made 204 appearances, finding the back of the net 22 times.

Alongside standout performances from teammates such as Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn, and Diego Carlos, Luiz's impact has been instrumental in securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, ahead of rivals Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

Losing Luiz ahead of their Champions League campaign would be a significant blow for Aston Villa. The Brazilian international, who has earned 13 caps for his country, has expressed his gratitude towards the club for the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League and has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the cause on the pitch.

However, Aston Villa may be tempted by a substantial transfer fee, with the club likely to demand around £35 million for their midfield maestro. The potential departure of Douglas Luiz to Juventus is set to be a major talking point, as Villa will need to carefully consider the financial benefits against the impact of losing a key player as they embark on their European journey.

Juventus' interest in Douglas Luiz highlights the club's desire to strengthen their midfield options. With Adrien Rabiot's future hanging in the balance, the Bianconeri are keen to secure a top-quality replacement. Luiz's proven track record in the Premier League and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him an attractive prospect for the Italian giants.