Shock swap deal 'looking likely' as Aston Villa and Juventus 'begin talks'

The Villans are said to be in talks with the Old Lady over signing Weston McKennie in a transfer that would surprisingly see Douglas Luiz move in the other direction.

Unai Emery has often spoken very highly of Luiz and the Brazilian was vital to the Villans’ qualification for the Champions League. There was a big drop-off in form towards the end of the season just gone, however, and Villa must make some sales this summer before adding new signings.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, widely respected in the transfer news scene, reports Villa and Juventus have asked one another about their respective midfielders. It’s claimed an exchange is being “worked on”, though the situation is complicated as Luiz’s value exceeds McKennie’s.

The report suggests Luiz, who is contracted until June 2026, would warrant a fee of €60 million (£51.1 million). McKennie’s valuation, meanwhile, stands at around half that figure (£25.5 million) meaning Juventus would have to shell out a decent wad of cash to make the swap deal possible.

Villa and Juventus could both benefit

Losing Luiz would come as a huge blow for Villa as the 26-year-old has been a key player for several years. The midfielder scored nine goals and made three assists in 35 Premier League matches last term, adding another one goal and four assists in 14 UEFA Europa Conference League games.

But this sale could be important for Villa staying in line with the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability (PSR) rules, allowing Emery to spend funds in different positions. Juventus are also in great need of a midfield upgrade after falling further behind rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan in the Italian top flight.

Although a little crazy on the surface, this transfer is looking increasingly likely – especially as it’s now being reported by someone as well informed as Di Marzio.