The latest transfer news says AS Roma wants to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as they prepare for the exit of Henrik Mkhitaryan.

According to reports in Italy, Roma coach Jose Mourinho has prioritized signing a new midfielder. This has led to links with Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, among others.

Meanwhile, the Rome-based team has also found it hard to convince Mkhitaryan, who joined them from Arsenal, to sign a new deal as he becomes a free agent.

The Armenian seems to be heading to Inter Milan. Thus, he is expected to be a direct replacement for Ivan Perisic, who left the club to reunite with Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspurs.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Luiz is Mourinho’s new favourite. The midfielder appears to be open to a move following the arrival of Boubacar Kamara to Villa from Marseille.

It could cost the Europa Conference League cup winners around  €30 million to €35m to convince the Premier League side.

Being just 24 years old, Luiz still has a lot of potentials. Having had experience playing at Manchester City and nine caps for Brazil, he would be a huge coup for the Special One if the deal succeeds.

The former Vasco da Gama was transferred to Villa for €17 million after failing to nail a first-team shirt at Manchester City. He was loaned out to Granada and Villarreal during his seasons with the Citizens.

Meanwhile, the move of Mkhitaryan is on the card since the winger already had talks with the Nerazzurri.

Roma has therefore decided not to increase the offer presented to him a few weeks ago.

Il Corriere Dello Sport also reported that Mkhitaryan bid farewell to his teammates following their historic Europa Conference League victory.

Inter have reportedly offered Mkhitaryan a deal worth €3.5 million over two years, which Roma are not willing to match.

Mkhitaryan at Roma made 116 appearances in all competition, scoring 29 goals.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed