Romano CONFIRMS Chelsea approach for top Man City target

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Jan 2025 17:03 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea have approached Juventus over a loan for Douglas Luiz, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Brazilian is fielding interest from several clubs after failing to establish himself at Juventus. Luiz only joined the Serie A giants in the summer after showing himself to be one of the Premier League's best midfielders, but his first six months in Turin have been disappointing.

Not fancied by head coach Thiago Motta, Luiz has struggled for regular minutes and an injury in late 2024 only compounded the misery. With the January window slowly drawing to a close, the 26-year-old has warmed to the idea of making a late exit in search of game time.

Juventus would be open to allowing Luiz to head to greener pastures but only on certain conditions. The Old Lady, it is claimed, are only willing to consider a permanent exit or a loan with an obligation to buy.

This, however, is proving to be an issue.

Chelsea join Man City in Luiz chase

So far, Juventus have only received loan approaches from Luiz's suitors, which have chiefly included Man City. Pep Guardiola and company remain in the market for a replacement for Rodri, who is out for the rest of the season due to his ACL injury.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed reports from Italy that Chelsea have also made contact with the Bianconeri, but they have received the same response: he is not available for a loan.

Chelsea are looking at potential January opportunities and Luiz has been identified as an option in light of injuries to Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia, although coach Enzo Maresca has expressed hope that the former shouldn't be sidelined for too long.

Moreover, Chelsea are in negotiations over the potential departures of Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka, while they are also open to offloading Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, so there certainly could soon be space for a new midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

However, unless Juventus change their stance, Douglas Luiz appears unlikely to return to the Premier League anytime soon.