Aston Villa back in active talks for Douglas Luiz | OneFootball

Aston Villa are back in active talks to sign Douglas Luiz after making an initial approach to sign him last week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Villa are desperately seeking a replacement for Boubacar Kamara, who will be out for the rest of the season and have eyes on Luiz.

The Brazilian international (18 caps) enjoyed a successful spell at Villa Park between 2019 and 2024. He knows the system well, having worked under Unai Emery.

In Luiz, the Villains have the perfect candidate to plug the gap left behind by the Frenchman. Negotiations are ongoing.

The Villains are prioritising Luiz’s return, with two more options on their transfer shortlist.

However, the club must also be worried about Chelsea. They are seeking midfield reinforcement and have identified the 27-year-old as a target.

If the Birmingham-based outfit is to snap up Luiz, they must quickly secure a deal with Juventus and Nottingham Forest, where he is currently on loan.

Even if Luiz returns, there is a growing argument that Aston Villa may need to go one step further in midfield.

John McGinn’s recent injury, which could sideline him for up to two months, removes a key source of intensity, leadership and ball-carrying from Emery’s engine room at a critical point of the season.

Amadou Onana’s fitness record also demands caution. The Belgian’s physical profile is invaluable, but his availability cannot be taken for granted over a long run of fixtures.

That leaves Youri Tielemans, who must be carefully managed to avoid burnout. With domestic and European demands stacking up, depth is a must.

Even with Luiz in the door, another reliable midfielder could prove decisive in sustaining Villa’s momentum.

The club should consider reviving its interest in Dani Ceballos if he is willing to leave the Spanish capital. He could be the perfect option to plug the gap.