The Mail claim Aston Villa are ready to cash in on Douglas Luiz and replace the Brazil international with Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips. Such news may come as encouraging to Arsenal, who are interested in Villa’s Luiz.
Luiz, 23, was the subject of interest from numerous sides in the January window as Arsenal pushed to sign a midfielder. But he remained at Villa Park, even though he is set to enter the final year of his current contract.
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Il Romanista claimed in February, as reported by HITC, that both Arsenal and Jose Mourinho’s Roma were looking at Luiz ahead of the summer. Now, they have received a boost in their pursuit – with Villa ready to cash in.
That is because Villa are keen to bring in a replacement and have placed England midfielder Phillips at the top of the list. A deal may prove difficult if Leeds remain in the Premier League. Yves Bissouma remains of interest.
Phillips in, Luiz out: Villa making moves as Arsenal lurk…
If Villa can pull off the signing of Phillips from Leeds, it is an impressive bit of business. A fee, given his participation at Euro 2020, is lilely to exceed £50million. But would Phillips really entertain a move to Villa?
Of course, if Leeds go down, he certainly would. But right now, does he leave his boyhood club in the Premier League to join a mid-table Villa side – granted, they are showing ambition? Phillips is ready for Europe, now.
What does seem likely, is that Luiz will be on his way. His current contract situation is perilous for both club and player and with both Arsenal and Roma interested, Villa are likely to cash in.
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