Aston Villa plan to complete another ‘marquee’ signing – sources
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery would “love” to secure a marquee signing to replace midfielder Douglas Luiz, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed Villa will be looking at potential options to fill the void left by the Brazil international as he closes in on a move to Juventus.
Football Insider first revealed on 12 June the West Midlands giants were in advanced talks with Juventus over a swap deal for Luiz, 26, involving Weston McKennie, 25, and Samuel Iling-Junior, 20.
After talks broke down with McKennie, the Italian giants have agreed to make Enzo Barrenechea, 23, part of the deal instead of his midfield counterpart.
Luiz is now expected to complete his switch to the Serie A club, with Villa in line to secure the two players and £20million in cash as part of the transfer.
Aston Villa plan new signings to replace Douglas Luiz
Luiz has attracted significant interest from several top clubs over the past few months following his outstanding season at Villa Park.
The Brazilian registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances across the campaign as he helped Villa secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Emery now wants to bring in another high-profile midfielder as Luiz’s replacement despite the deal with Juventus ensuring Barrenechea will be heading to Villa Park.
Villa have already secured the signing of Ross Barkley from Luton Town after Football Insider exclusively broke the news on 18 May the club had opened talks with the midfielder before revealing on 25 May a “full agreement” was in place for his signature.
But finances are likely to dictate whether any further additions will be possible in the middle of the park due to the club’s financial situation.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month Villa must raise £60million in player sales this summer to avoid a potential points deduction next season.
In other news, Aston Villa told to pull the plug on Douglas Luiz deal after ‘shock’
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