According to BBC Sport, Roma want to sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz if they can’t finalise a deal for Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka.
It’s clear that new boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring a new midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico, with Xhaka his top target.
No deal has been done yet though, and Roma are making contingency plans by looking towards Luiz.
Xhaka’s move from Arsenal to Roma seemingly stalls
Roma Press reported last week that Xhaka wanted to have his move to Roma done before Switzerland took on Wales at Euro 2020 on Saturday.
That didn’t happen, meaning Xhaka is now in limbo during the competition, with Arsenal and Roma unable to come to an agreement.
BBC Sport now claim that Arsenal have rejected a bid worth just shy of £13million for Xhaka, and it’s unclear whether they will come back.
Aston Villa could now be dragged in
Villa were no doubt delighted to beat Arsenal to the signing of Emiliano Buendia, but they’re now being dragged into this Xhaka situation.
Roma are looking at Luiz if they can’t sign Xhaka, but that could be even harder; they would want a lot, lot more than around £13million for the Brazilian.
Luiz, 23, has impressed for Villa over the last year, and after fending off Arsenal’s interest in Luiz last summer, they will hope not to lose him due to the Gunners playing hardball over Xhaka.
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