According to Italian media, Aston Villa transfer supremo Monchi has been to Turin to discuss with Juventus executives about crucial summer signings for both teams.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa’s chief of football operations has actively sought to sell midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer. They believe the Brazilian wants “a change of scenery” and could be offered for €40 million.
Monchi is interested in joining Juve since the “discussion could become much broader, also involving other players, primarily Weston McKennie, whose contract expires in 2025, and maybe even Matias Soulé, who Juve know they have to sacrifice” .
Villa are reported to be willing to offload a high-profile star in order to balance the books while adhering to the Premier League’s stringent Profitability and Sustainability requirements.
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Luiz, a £14 million signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, has been one of Villa’s best players in recent years, particularly as they finished fourth last season to qualify for Champions League football.
However, with Villa under pressure to sell, the 26-year-old might go to assist finance Unai Emery’s ambition to bolster his team ahead of the new season.
Arsenal has long admired the talent, and sources in Italy suggest Manchester United is also interested. However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports: “There are many irons in the fire, which is why Monchi, former sporting director of Roma and now at Aston Villa, stopped in Turin to meet with Juventus management.
“The Brazilian’s contract expires in 2026, he makes between €2.5 and €3 million net per season, and he wants to change scenery. The English know they won’t be able to keep him and don’t want to sell him off next summer, so they’re going forward, valuing him around €40 million.”
Villa have previously expressed interest in McKennie, and the USA international might be available for a competitive €15 million with his Juve deal set to expire next summer.
McKennie appeared 38 times in Serie A this season as Juve finished third behind runaway champions Inter Milan and rivals AC. The previous season, he had an interrupted loan spell at Leeds United.
Winger Soule would be more expensive, costing over €30 million, but the 21-year-old Argentine is considered as one of Europe’s best young offensive prospects and could become an important player for Villa.
Gazzetta dello Sport adds: “The Birmingham club, which was previously interested in Federico Chiesa last year, has qualified for the Champions League and intends to shop in Italy.
“Monchi also used the chance to gather information about Soulé. He’s started hunting for a winger, and Villa’s interest is strong.”
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