Steven Gerrard is reportedly interested in reviving Aston Villa’s efforts to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma, with Douglas Luiz potentially on the move this summer.
According to the Telegraph, the English manager has identified defensive midfield as a weak spot in the Villa squad, with Kalvin Phillips set to be a main target for Gerrard in the transfer window, as well as Bissouma if Luiz departs the club.
The Brazilian international has an uncertain future at Villa Park despite being a regular under Gerrard, with the 23-year-old starting 24 of Villa’s 26 Premier League games this season, making 27 appearances in total.
Following a January transfer window where the former Manchester City talent was wanted by Arsenal, Villa are seemingly content on letting Luiz leave this summer, and Bissouma could be signed as a replacement for the midfielder.
The Mali international was heavily linked with a move to Villa at the start of the year, with the Telegraph stating that Gerrard’s side even had a £25m rejected for Bissouma. And now the West Midlands-based club are looking to revive their interest.
With a reported price tag of £50m, this could be Brighton’s last chance to fetch a tidy profit for Bissouma, whose contract expires at the end of next season. And Villa are ready to spend big on the midfielder as a replacement for Luiz.
Bissouma could be a perfect upgrade on Luiz for Villa
Luiz has been a key part of Villa’s squad since their promotion back to the Premier League, yet with Gerrard seemingly open to the idea of replacing the Brazilian, Bissouma could be the ideal player to take over the midfielder’s spot.
Indeed, Bissouma has been one of the top midfielders in the Premier League in recent seasons, and a move to Villa could be a logical step in the right direction for the ‘sensational’ Malian international, who seems ready to move on from Brighton this summer.
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