Barcelona 'offered chance' to sign in-demand Premier League midfielder

The La Liga giants are in the market for a new central midfielder this summer, and the club are expected to be active despite their well-documented financial problems.

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is believed to be their leading midfield target, but a move for the England international in the current market is seen as unrealistic.

A recent report claimed that Mikel Merino, who is out of contract at Real Sociedad next year, has also emerged as a target for Hansi Flick's side.

According to AS, Barcelona have also been offered the chance to sign Luiz, with the Brazil international's agent making contact with the Catalan club to discuss a possible move.

Barcelona 'offered chance to bring in Luiz'

The report claims that Villa are willing to sell Luiz this summer despite his importance, as the club are under pressure to let a major player leave for financial reasons.

Barcelona sporting director Deco is said to be keen on Luiz and has been in talks with the player's representatives to learn the finances of the deal.

Villa are thought to want €70m (£59m) for Luiz, with Juventus believed to be firmly at the head of the queue for his services, but Barcelona have now seemingly emerged as contenders.

Arsenal have also been previously linked with the midfielder, although the Gunners are not believed to be planning to make a move for him during the summer transfer window.

Would Luiz be a good signing for Barcelona?

Luiz was in excellent form for Unai Emery's side during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering 10 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions.

The midfielder managed nine goals and five assists in 35 Premier League appearances, meanwhile, as Villa finished fourth in the table to secure a spot in next season's Champions League.

In an ideal world, Villa would keep hold of one of their most important players, but the reality of the situation is that the club need to make a major sale this summer, potentially before the end of the month, as it would place them in a much healthier financial position.

Luiz has scored 22 goals and registered 24 assists in 204 appearances for Villa, while he has previous experience of operating in La Liga, featuring 38 times for Girona while on loan at the club from Manchester City.

The Brazilian certainly has the quality to be a success for Barcelona, but the deal would have to make financial sense for the Catalan outfit, and their complicated situation makes it a difficult transfer.