AC Milan open 'direct talks' with Aston Villa over Douglas Luiz transfer

AC Milan have reportedly ‘opened talks’ with Aston Villa over a move for Douglas Luiz.

The 24-year-old has been a key part of Villa’s side since arriving from Manchester City in 2019. Luiz continued to be first-choice under Steven Gerrard last season, scoring twice in 34 league appearances as he operated at the base of Villa’s midfield.

Following the arrival of Boubacar Kamara this summer, there was a sense that the Brazil international could be deployed as a number eight in the upcoming campaign, a position has occupied at points for the Brazil national side. Though after entering the last 12 months of his Villa contract, there has been consistent speculation surrounding Luiz’s future at B6.

The Brazil international had previously been linked with a move to Roma as Jose Mourinho was claimed to be a long-term fan of the midfielder. However, in recent days it was alleged that reigning Serie A champions AC Milan were ‘in pole’ position to sign the Villa midfielder this summer.

It has now been reported by the Daily Mail , via Goal, that Milan have “opened direct talks” with Villa over a move for Luiz. The deal is said to be “worth up to £26million” and that the player’s representatives are “confident” of sealing a move to the San Siro.

Steven Gerrard had spoken of his desire to tie Luiz to a new deal but the ex-City midfielder is yet to put pen to paper. Instead, Villa risk losing him for free next summer and are reportedly “willing to lower their asking price” in the hopes of securing a fee for Luiz, who is said to “prefer” the chance to play Champions League football with Milan over a fresh contract.

Villa have already got five deals over the line this summer, with Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen