Aston Villa have ruled out a move for Douglas Luiz, leaving Chelsea with the onus to agree on a loan deal with Juventus.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are not moving to sign Douglas Luiz this month despite a brief interest in the former midfielder. That decision could hand Chelsea a significant boost to get a loan deal in place with Juventus as discussions continue for the 27-year-old Brazilian international.
Douglas Luiz has been in the news of late as the 27-year-old Brazilian international could wind down his brief spell at Nottingham Forest. The midfielder joined the Midlands side from Juventus on loan for the whole season, with the deal consisting a conditional buy obligations based on appearances.
Nottingham Forest also holds a separate buy option for the midfielder should he not meet the criteria of the conditional obligation, although Sean Dyche’s side are not looking likely to trigger it in any shape or form. Chelsea had entered the race to sign Luiz on loan over the last few days, as talks with Juventus continue.
Chelsea want midfield cover following the persistent injury issues with Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, which leaves them a bit short in the department. However, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo nailed on to be their main starters as well as Reece James whenever he plays in the middle, there are some doubts whether Douglas Luiz would get the game time with regularity.
As he is sidelined at Forest, a move this month makes sense for Luiz, given he seeks regular minutes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelsea are only seeking a loan move without any buy obligation or option, something Juventus would have liked in the deal, as it would mirror their agreement with Forest. However, talks between the Blues and Juventus continue, with the hope of finding an agreement.
Aston Villa to cool Douglas Luiz interest?
As per Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa briefly considered signing Luiz this month following the season-ending injury to key man Boubacar Kamara. The idea of bringing the 27-year-old Brazilian international back to Villa Park would have made sense from a lot of angles, although the club have decided against pursuing a move, which hands Chelsea a massive boost.
Aston Villa have looked at Ruben Loftus-Cheek as an option to strengthen the midfield, but there are significant doubts about whether they could bring him. As for Douglas Luiz, he could have got a regular place in the main team, but with Villa deciding against the pursuit, it remains to be seen whether they pursue another option or continue with what they have at present.
