Aston Villa might have qualified for the Champions League last season but one of their key players has apparently decided he wants out.
Villa enjoyed a superb season under Unai Emery and ended up beating out Tottenham and Chelsea to land the final Champions League spot.
With a big summer ahead, Villa and Emery are hoping to add top quality players to a squad that’s already packed with talent.
However, while additions are the main focus, some players could also end up leaving.
And frustratingly for Villa, one of their most influential stars is thought to have decided to go.
Douglas Luiz decides to leave Aston Villa amid Juventus interest
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa midfielder Luiz has decided he’d like to move on this summer for a new challenge.
It comes as Juventus have made it clear they’d like to sign the Brazilian if he’s available.
Luiz was a key player for Villa all last season and has been linked previously with moves to clubs like Arsenal.
However, a move to Juventus clearly appeals and it now looks like he’s going to push to make this happen.
Villa, meanwhile, are focussing on replacements and the same report claims that Monchi is already in Italy looking at potential alternatives.
Names such as Weston McKennie and Matias Soule are both mentioned.
Douglas Luiz loss a real blow for Unai Emery
This would be a huge shame for Aston Villa and Unai Emery is Douglas Luiz does want out.
It’s a bit of an odd one as well. Given Luiz has played so well and Villa have secured that Champions League place, it seems a touch strange for him to now force a move.
Of course, Villa will do what’s right by them and look for the best price possible really.
Back in 2023, it was suggested Villa would look for at least £70m to consider selling Luiz.
Quite whether Juventus will pay that, remains to be seen. But that’s what Villa should stick to and given their status in Europe now, they can demand such fees.