Pep Guardiola would reportedly like Manchester City to re-sign Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian set to enter a big summer window.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City could intensify their efforts to sign Douglas Luiz in the summer and get ahead of the competition. Pep Guardiola admires the Aston Villa star but must battle some of their rivals, including Arsenal. Meanwhile, the Villans want £100 million to sell the Brazilian international.
Manchester City set to step up Douglas Luiz chase
Pep Guardiola has been interested in signing a new central midfielder since last summer as a viable replacement for Ilkay Gundogan. Manchester City did manage to bring Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to the club, but the duo has yet to suit what their manager wants in that midfield role.
Hence, Manchester City wanted Declan Rice, who eventually chose Arsenal and became one of their leading performers in the title challenge for the Gunners. Guardiola would prioritise the midfield position and has several names on his shortlist, including £100 million-rated Arsenal target Douglas Luiz.
Luiz, a former Manchester City player, has been in sensational form for Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side vying for a top-four finish this term. The Birmingham-based side refused to entertain offers for the midfielder and slapped a £100 million price tag to ward off suitors last month. Manchester City are now stepping up in its efforts to sign him, and it could look to get ahead of competitors like Arsenal.
Manchester City are few sides who might be able to spend big on a known midfielder as Guardiola certainly admires Luiz. The Brazilian might look towards a new challenge should Aston Villa fail in their objectives. Champions League football and a chance to challenge for the Premier League might have a big say in determining his future.
Will Douglas Luiz leave Aston Villa?
At one point in the season, Aston Villa were considered title contenders, but their bid for the championship soon fell off. Now they are keen to finish in the top four and have been helped by Luiz’s 17-goal contribution, making him one of the most influential stars in Emery’s side. The Midlands outfit have considered a new contract for the Brazilian, although talk of the same has cooled a bit lately.
The likes of Arsenal and now Manchester City will show intent in signing him when the season opens. The two clubs are expected to challenge for the title next season, which may appeal to Luiz when he thinks about his next move. Whether he leaves Aston Villa will depend on where the club finishes this season, as he might want to play Champions League football there next season.
