As reported by Football Insider, Manchester City may escalate their pursuit of Douglas Luiz during the forthcoming summer transfer window to gain a competitive edge. Pep Guardiola holds a favorable regard for the Aston Villa standout, albeit facing opposition from rival clubs such as Arsenal. Concurrently, Aston Villa has set a valuation of £100 million for the potential sale of the Brazilian midfielder.
Manchester City set to step up Douglas Luiz chase
Pep Guardiola has demonstrated a sustained interest in acquiring a new central midfielder since the previous summer, seeking a suitable replacement for Ilkay Gundogan within the Manchester City squad. Although the club successfully secured the services of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, both acquisitions have yet to fully align with Guardiola’s envisioned role for the midfield.
Consequently, Manchester City set their sights on Declan Rice, who ultimately opted for Arsenal, emerging as a pivotal figure in the Gunners’ pursuit of the title. Guardiola has identified bolstering the midfield as a priority and has compiled a shortlist of potential candidates, notably including Douglas Luiz, valued at £100 million and also targeted by Arsenal.
Luiz, formerly of Manchester City, has enjoyed remarkable form at Aston Villa under the management of Unai Emery, with the club contending for a top-four finish this season. Aston Villa has unequivocally rejected offers for Luiz, assigning a £100 million valuation to deter potential suitors. Manchester City is intensifying its efforts to secure his signature, aiming to outmaneuver competing clubs like Arsenal.
Among the few clubs capable of significant investment in a proven midfielder, Manchester City stands out, with Guardiola expressing a clear admiration for Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder may consider a move to pursue new challenges should Aston Villa fall short of their objectives. The allure of Champions League football and the opportunity to contend for the Premier League title could significantly influence his future decision.
Will Douglas Luiz leave Aston Villa?
During a phase of the season, Aston Villa was touted as contenders for the league title; however, their pursuit of the championship subsequently waned. Presently, their focus lies on securing a position in the top four, a goal facilitated notably by Luiz’s impressive tally of 17 goals, rendering him one of the pivotal figures in Emery’s squad. The management of the Midlands club has contemplated offering a new contract to the Brazilian player, though recent discussions on the matter have subsided.
Both Arsenal and, more recently, Manchester City have exhibited interest in acquiring Luiz once the transfer window reopens. With these clubs anticipated to mount a challenge for the league title in the forthcoming season, Luiz may find the prospect enticing as he deliberates on his next career move. Whether he departs from Aston Villa hinges largely on the club’s performance by the end of the current season, with the allure of competing in the UEFA Champions League potentially influencing his decision to remain or seek opportunities elsewhere.