Arsenal have tried to sign Douglas Luiz in the past, but the former Aston Villa star - who joined Juventus in the same window as partner Alisha Lehmann - could soon join a rival
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Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz
Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz(Image: Instagram)
Less than a year on from his historic Juventus switch, Douglas Luiz could be set for a return to the Premier League. The Brazil international joined Juventus from Aston Villa's men's team, with partner Alisha Lehmann moving between the respective women's sides during the same transfer window.
Luiz, who spent five seasons with Villa, was targeted by Arsenal during his time in the midlands. Now, though, Nottingham Forest are said to be the ones eyeing up a summer swoop. The midfielder has struggled to make an impression under Thiago Motta in Turin, playing fewer than 500 minutes in an injury-hit campaign.
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Lehmann has been a bit more productive, scoring twice for league leaders Juve. At the time of writing, there has been no suggestion she will follow her partner in making an early exit from Turin.
According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia), Forest are ready to return for Luiz after failing to land the 26-year-old in January. Nuno Espirito Santo is reported to be after more experience and quality ahead of a potential Champions League campaign, with the Italian media suggesting a loan with an onligation to buy is the likely outcome.
Forest's victory over Ipswich Town in their last league game saw them remain in pole position for European qualification. They sit in third place, five points above fourth-places Chelsea with Manchester City a further point behind in fifth.
READ MORE: 'I signed a new deal after Arsenal transfer collapsed – now Chelsea are trying to sign me'READ MORE: Douglas Luiz aims dig at Aston Villa as he explains why he made move to Juventus
Before the turn of the year, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi spoke about a potential return for Luiz. "He’s a playmaker. Every ball that comes out of his feet makes sense," the Spaniard told Gazzetta (via Goal
"After his farewell we invested well, but I would always take Douglas back, for any club. He’s very strong."
Douglas Luiz at Cagliari vs Juventus
Douglas Luiz has struggled to make an impact at Juventus(Image: Juventus FC via Getty Images)
A number of smart signings have allowed Forest to thrive this season. Nikola Milenkovic has formed a solid central defensive partnership with Murillo, while Elliot Anderson's arrival from Newcastle United has bolstered the midfield.
“It’s always tough as you’re heading towards the nail-biting end of the season with uncertainty with where you could finish," Anderson told club media going into the international break. “Mentally it’s tough and physically when you’ve played a lot of games. It’s about trying to stay focussed and fresh on doing your recovery right and staying fit.”
Forest will return from the break with an FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton. After that comes a return to league duty, with Manchester United the opponents in the first of nine huge matches.
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