Liverpool plot eye-catching move for £60m Aston Villa stalwart Mikel Arteta wants at Arsenal

Harry Watkinson
Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz celebrate
Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz celebrate

Liverpool are reportedly considering whether to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz this week after holding talks over a possible transfer.

The Brazil international was key to the Villains’ success last season, helping them secure an impressive seventh place finish and qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Aston Villa signed Luiz from Manchester City for £15m in 2019. He has since made 155 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and making 14 assists.

It’s no secret that Liverpool are looking to bring in one more midfielder before the transfer window slams shut on Friday.

They have parted ways with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since last season.

Liverpool have only brought in three new midfielders so far – Alexis Mac Allister (£35m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60m) and Wataru Endo (£16.2m).

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Now, Jurgen Klopp wants to bring in a new defensive-minded midfielder.

Liverpool have been linked with several potential options. One of which is Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure. His price tag of £70m is proving to be an issue, though. 

Reports in Germany suggest a move for Kouadio Kone could be on the cards. The Borussia Monchengladbach star is currently sidelined by injury and his price has fallen as a result, increasing Liverpool’s prospects of a deal.

Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch also continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.  Should they fail to sign one of those players, Luiz is the next name on Liverpool’s transfer shortlist.

The Brazilian came close to leaving Villa Park last summer, when Arsenal made two bids for him. The Gunners still hold an interest in Luiz, too, despite signing Declan Rice for £105m.

While Aston Villa tied Luiz down to a new contract last year, which runs until 2026, there is still a belief he could leave this summer.

According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Klopp is a huge admirer of Luiz. Liverpool are yet to make a concrete approach for him, though.

“Yeah, Douglas Luiz is a name that has been discussed internally by Liverpool. I’m not aware of any movement at this point.

“I think that it’s crystal clear that Liverpool wants to add between now and the end of the window if the right name becomes available.”

Aston Villa value Luiz at approximately £60m, so Liverpool will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal done this week.

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