Chelsea in transfer hijack as Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘active talks’

Aston Villa are reportedly in “active talks” to re-sign Douglas Luiz as they look to hijack his proposed winter move to Chelsea.

The Brazil midfielder, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus, has been identified as a top January target by the Chelsea hierarchy and they remain in negotiations over a complicated late deal.

Luiz is regarded as a suitable short-term fix to Chelsea’s current injury problems in midfield, with the club eager to land a player capable of providing cover for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez over the next few weeks amid the ongoing absence of both Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo.

The Nottingham Forest loanee is reportedly willing to accept a six-month loan move to Chelsea, although the Blues need to finalise an agreement with Sean Dyche’s side and Juventus before Luiz will be able to put pen to paper on a contract in west London.

Furthermore, their bid for his signature has been further complicated by his former club Aston Villa, who want to re-sign him before Transfer Deadline Day on 2 February.

That is according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Aston Villa back in active talks for Douglas Luiz after initial approach revealed last week.

“Negotiations ongoing with Juventus while Chelsea are also exploring different options in midfield. Aston Villa working on Douglas Luiz return as priority with 2 more options on list.”

Luiz made 204 appearances across a five-year spell at Aston Villa before joining Juventus for €51.5 million in 2024, and he has been sounded out as a possible late winter signing as Unai Emery looks to land a new midfielder this week.

The Villa Park outfit, who are currently third in the Premier League table, have also been linked with a move for AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek amid their bid to bolster their squad for an unlikely title push this campaign.

Douglas Luiz to Chelsea update

With a move for Luiz now looking increasingly unlikely, Chelsea will have to pursue an alternative target if they remain determined to bolster Liam Rosenior’s squad with a new midfielder.

Liverpool’s Curtis Jones has been linked with a surprise move to Stamford Bridge in recent days, and they also hold significant interest in Trabzonspor wonderkid Christ Inao Oulai.

Meanwhile, talks over a January deal for Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet have died down in recent days and Chelsea appear set to miss out on the Frenchman after opting to recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund instead.

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