Ex-Aston Villa star could seal sensational return as ‘exit’ claim made, Arsenal change Douglas Luiz stance

Aston Villa are putting the final touches on their preparations for their Premier League clash with Luton Town after enjoying back-to-back 4-1 wins. Unai Emery’s side beat West Ham 4-1 at Villa Park last weekend before securing victory by the same scoreline at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

Up next is the visit of Luton Town, with the Hatters winning just one of their opening nine Premier League games since their promotion. They beat Everton at Goodison Park before losing to Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur. They did pick up a point in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend as they scored in the 83rd and 92nd minutes at the City Ground.

Ahead of the game, we have rounded up the latest Aston Villa transfer news with one former striker linked with a return while there has been a twist in Arsenal’s pursuit of Douglas Luiz.

Villa to ‘rival’ Brentford for Abraham

Tammy Abraham could leave Roma at the end of the season due to the expected departure of Jose Mourinho, TEAMtalk reports. Mourinho is currently set to leave Roma when his contract expires at the end of this season with Abraham said to be keen on a Premier League return.

Brentford are said to be eyeing the former Chelsea man as a replacement for Ivan Toney while Villa are are said to be keeping an eye on the player in the event Ollie Watkins is the subject of a big bid in the summer. Abraham spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Villa, scoring 26 goals in 40 games as the club were promoted back to the Premier League.

Arsenal ‘won’t pursue’ Luiz in January

Arsenal are unlikely to bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in January, per a report from Football Insider. Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the Brazilian who has been in fine form for Emery’s side this term. However, Villa do not want to sell such an important player in the January window.

Luiz has five league goals to his name so far this season and has started in all nine of the club’s Premier League matches. He joined Villa from Man City in 2019 and signed a new contract last year which will keep him at Villa Park until the summer of 2026.