Cameron Archer opens up on his Aston Villa future as Carney Chukwuemeka claim made

Welcome to BirminghamLive's coverage of all things Aston Villa on Thursday, July 21.

AC Milan's interest in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has reportedly "faded" as the Italian giants continue their search for a new midfielder this summer, according to Tuttosport (via MilanNews)

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Serie A since the start of last season as Jose Mourinho is an admirer, though AS Roma are yet to follow up their interest this summer. Luiz has just 12 months left on his current deal and clubs will be aware they he could leave Villa Park for a reduced price as he will be allowed to discuss a free transfer with interested teams in January.

Luiz joined the club from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and has made more than 100 appearances in claret and blue. Though, Luiz faces the prospect of limited game time next season following the arrival of Boubacar Kamara, who will be one of the first names on Gerrard's team sheet next term after he joined the club on a free transfer from Marseille.

Luiz will also face a tough task in dislodging Villa's vice-captain John McGinn in a number eight position, so the Brazil international faces an uncertain future given that his contract is also running down. But reports in Italy claim that AC Milan will not be firming up their interest in the midfielder this summer.

Barcelona are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Carney Chukwuemeka if he should leave Aston Villa - with French giants Paris Saint-Germain also said to be interested in the midfielder, according to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope.

Chukwuemeka is yet to sign fresh terms with Villa and could the teenager can move to a club in Europe for a compensation fee of around £300,000 to £400,000 in a