Douglas Luiz transfer latest: Juventus come forward with swap solution with Everton embroiled in controversial Aston Villa offer

Aston Villa will reportedly be presented with an interesting proposal from Juventus as they Midlands side look to avoid losing star midfielder Douglas Luiz on a free transfer next summer.

The Brazilian star has established himself as a regular in the Villa side since a switch from Manchester City. Indeed, he has made 117 appearances since signing in July 2019, scoring seven times.

But with his deal due to expire in summer 2023, Villa found themselves batting off plenty of attention for Luiz this summer. Indeed, the likes of Tottenham and, later in the window, Liverpool, were both strongly linked.

However, the most firm attention came from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side were in the market for a new central midfielder this summer. The likes of Youri Tielemans and Danilo were among those they were reportedly considering.

But the only offer lodged was bid, worth in excess of £20m, made for Luiz on deadline day. Despite their best efforts, though, Arsenal’s approach was flatly turned down, with Steven Gerrard making clear Villa’s stance.

Villa’s decision not to sell the midfielder, however, leaves them in a bit of a fix. The club will try and persuade the 24-year-old to sign fresh terms and extend his stay with the club.

That said, a report on Wednesday morning suggested Luiz has already decided to leave Villa on a free transfer next summer. To that end, the nine-times capped star will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January 1.

Juventus ready to offer Moise Kean in a swap deal for Douglas Luiz

Villa, of course, would be loathe to lose such a prized asset for free and could yet consider his sale in January.

Indeed, reports from Italy suggest Juventus are among those keen to acquire his services.

But rather than launch a straight cash offer to lure him to Italy in the new year, TuttoJuve claim a swap deal approach is being readied.

They claim the Bianconeri will offer Villa Moise Kean in a straight swap for Luiz.

The deal, however, looks a complicated one with the controversial striker still officially owned by Everton. He is currently back at Juventus on a two-year loan deal from the Toffees.

Juventus, though, have an obligation to make the move permanent. Now TuttoJuve claims they could exercise that option early in order to offer Kean to Villa in exchange.

That transfer option sits at £25.9m (€30m) – around the same price that Luiz could have commanded in the summer window. Villa, of course, rate Luiz far higher but market forces with his contract dictate a sale for far lower.

Villa left with a decision to make over swap proposal

Whether Villa take Juventus up on the offer, though, remains to be seen. Gerrard is reportedly open to the idea of bolstering Villa’s attacking options and a report last month suggested a big-money swoop on Spain was on the cards.

And while that never materialised, the Villa boss is always looking for ways to imrpove his options.

Whether Kean would be that answer though remains to be seen.

The 12-times capped Italy striker is a highly-talented, yet often inconsistent performer. He struggled during his time with Everton, scoring just four goals in 39 appearances for the club.

The talent though is there, with Kean shining during an excellent season on loan with PSG. He netted 17 times in 41 appearances in the French capital.

Gerrard could see the chance of taking on Kean as something of a project. Getting the best from him would certainly test his coaching credentials.

However, Villa surely cannot afford to take such transfer risks. And despite the prospect of losing Douglas Luiz on a free in just 10 months time, a swap for Kean is surely one Villa would decline.

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