Samuel Iling-Junior ready to join Aston Villa as Juventus transfer talks begin
Samuel Iling-Junior is ready to join Aston Villa with talks having begun with Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Daily Mail reported (11 June) that Juve want to sign Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and are willing to offer English winger Iling-Junior and United States midfielder Weston McKennie as part of the deal.
Villa are said to value Douglas Luiz at around £50million but the prospect of a cash-plus-players deal has seemingly been enhanced by Iling-Junior’s desire to move to Villa Park.
Writing on X (11 June), prominent Italian journalist Romano said: “Understand Samuel Iling Jr is keen on joining Aston Villa, as he can be included in the swap deal with Juventus for Douglas Luis as revealed yesterday.
“Talks are underway for Iling Jr, Weston McKennie plus cash to #AVFC and Douglas Luiz to join Juventus.”
Are Aston Villa right to cash in on Douglas Luiz?
Villa are in the rather ridiculous position of having qualified for the Champions League but potentially needing to sell in order to avoid flouting the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Douglas Luiz is obviously a hugely important player at Villa Park but only has two years remaining on his current contract and thus there may be a temptation to cash in on the Brazilian and avoid having to sell elsewhere.
If there is the chance to strengthen with former Chelsea youth player Iling-Junior then it might be that Unai Emery and the Villa hierarchy decide the sum of the parts could end up being stronger.
McKennie, of course, previously struggled in the Premier League during a loan spell with Leeds United but he has refound some confidence since returning to Juve and Emery may just fancy he could get a tune out of him in England.
It might just be that this particular rumour has some legs.
In other Aston Villa news, Reece James’ stance has been predicted amid Chelsea exit rumours.
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