Man City are cranking things up a notch in their interest to lure Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz back to his former club ahead of the summer window, Football Insider sources have revealed.
The well-placed source has also revealed that City boss Pep Guardiola is a “huge fan” of the 25-year-old midfielder as he believes the Brazilian has improved significantly in the last two years and is ready to bring him back to the the Etihad – five years after his exit for Aston Villa.
A buy-back clause had been inserted in that deal by Man City but that agreement has since expired and the treble-winners must now challenge an open market if they are to agree a deal to bring Luiz back to the Etihad Stadium.
City are now apparently ready to take Premier League title rivals Arsenal head-on for the Brazil international’s signature.
Luiz has impressively notched 10 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season for the Villans, who are busy pursuing a place in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, a Football Insider disclosure on 3 February that Villa could be compelled to release the midfielder this summer as they have placed a £100-million price tag on him although he is under contract until June 2026.
Luiz failed to make a senior appearance for Man City in his time at the Etihad Stadium and went out on loan to sister club Girona instead.