Nottingham Forest trying to sign £42m player Arsenal couldn't with Edu pivotal in talks

Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the chase to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus, following his rejection of other Premier League clubs. Juventus only acquired Luiz from Aston Villa last summer, but they are now eager to offload the Brazilian midfielder.

The Italian heavyweights shelled out £42.35million to secure Luiz from Villa, before offering him a five-year contract. Villa only let go of the 27-yearyold to adhere to profit and sustainability regulations, after he had an exceptional 2023/24 season.

Luiz is now seeking a return to the Premier League following a disappointing and injury-plagued debut season in Turin. He only started three Serie A matches for Juve last season, with 16 appearances off the bench totalling just 518 minutes on the pitch.

Juve are now looking to offload both him and striker Dusan Vlahovic to make way for new signings, including Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. It appears that Forest's global head of football, Edu, could be instrumental in this potential deal.

Edu unexpectedly announced his departure from Arsenal in November, after spending five years working at the Gunners alongside Mikel Arteta. He was behind the signings of players like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice – however, one player he didn't manage to secure was Luiz, reports the Mirror.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport now reports that Edu is once again spearheading the effort to sign Luiz, this time for Forest. The player has rejected offers from Fulham and Leeds, and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, is set to fly to London to discuss with interested parties.

Tuttosport now suggests that Everton have joined Forest in the race, while West Ham and Manchester United have previously shown interest. With Luiz still having four years left on his contract with Juventus, a direct transfer seems unlikely.

However, it's reported that Juventus are open to an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Last week, West Ham reportedly proposed a €10million (£8.67million) loan deal with an option to buy for around €30million (£26million). This was rejected as Juve prefer an obligation to buy, rather than an option.

Luiz is not part of Igor Tudor's plans for the 2025/26 season after missing 20 matches last season due to injury and underperforming when he did play. Yet, Edu remains undeterred in his pursuit of the midfielder.

Edu and Arteta were convinced that Luiz could become a key player in north London if they could lure him away from Villa. They attempted more than once to snatch him from Villa Park, but were unsuccessful as he spent five seasons with the Midlands club. It appears he has a better chance this time around, with Forest – unlike Everton or United – able to offer him European football next season.

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