Douglas Luiz makes FINAL decision on Chelsea move as Romano confirms transfer

Aston Villa have reportedly beaten Chelsea to the loan signing of Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazil international, who has spent the first half of the season at Nottingham Forest, has agreed to return to Unai Emery’s side – on loan with an option-to-buy clause included – 18 months after leaving to join Juventus for €51.5 million.

Luiz was widely tipped to complete a temporary move to Chelsea, amid the Blues’ pursuit of a new midfielder to cover for the injury absences of Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, but they have missed out on his signature.

BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella has revealed that Luiz gave his preference to Aston Villa after learning of their interest in him, while The Telegraph’s Jason Burt has now confirmed the transfer.

He posted on X: “EXC: Aston Villa have signed Douglas Luiz on loan. Beaten off competition from Chelsea and Spain for the midfielder.” This has subsequently been backed up by football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who has given the deal his trademark ‘here we go’ catchphrase.

Villa have accelerated talks over bringing Luiz back to the club following an ankle injury suffered by Youri Tielemans against Newcastle United on Sunday, with Emery also without fellow midfielders John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara.

AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been linked with a move to the Midlands outfit before Transfer Deadline Day on 2 February, however Villa have instead opted to bring Luiz back to the club.

Douglas Luiz to rejoin Aston Villa

However, before Luiz’s move back to Aston Villa can be officially announced, his loan spell at Nottingham Forest will first need to be terminated.

The Brazilian has only started five Premier League matches for Sean Dyche’s side so far this season and he has been behind Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez in the pecking order at the City Ground this term.

Meanwhile, with a deal for Luiz off the table, Chelsea will instead need to pursue an alternative target before Deadline Day if they are serious about bolstering the midfield options at Liam Rosenior’s disposal.

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