Douglas Luiz could be on his way back to the Premier League despite only joining Juventus less than a year ago. The Brazilian international moved from Aston Villa to Juventus last summer, while his partner Alisha Lehmann transferred between the respective women's teams during the same window.
During his five-season stint with Villa, Luiz was on Arsenal's radar. However, it's now Nottingham Forest who are reportedly planning a summer move for him.
The midfielder has had a challenging time under Thiago Motta in Turin, clocking less than 500 minutes due to an injury-riddled season. Lehmann, on the other hand, has been more successful, netting twice for league leaders Juve. As of now, there's no indication that she'll follow her partner in making an early departure from Turin.
According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia ) Forest are prepared to make another move for Luiz after failing to secure him in January. Nuno Espirito Santo is said to be seeking more experience and quality as he gears up for a potential Champions League campaign, with Italian media suggesting a loan with an obligation to buy as the likely outcome, reports the Mirror.
Forest's win over Ipswich Town in their most recent league match keeps them at the forefront for European qualification. They currently sit third, five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and six ahead of Manchester City in fifth.
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."
Nottingham Forest's astute acquisitions have paid dividends this campaign. New signing Nikola Milenkovic has been a rock at the heart of defence alongside Murillo, with Elliot Anderson making an impact in midfield since joining from Newcastle United.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for Luiz in the past but there is no suggestion the Gunners are tracking the midfielder. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are set to leave the north Londoners in the summer due to their contracts expiring and Martin Zubimendi is thought to be one player who could arrive through the doors in the summer.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.