Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is still a target for Premier League rivals Chelsea heading into the January window.

The Lowdown: Luiz wants to leave Villa

Villa rejected three late bids from Arsenal for the Brazilian in the summer, with the player into the final 12 months of his current deal in the Midlands.

The 24-year-old has since told friends that he wants to leave the club in the New Year, with the Gunners maintaining dialogue with the midfielder’s representatives since the transfer window shut. However, it looks as if Luiz may have another London option on the table come 2023.

The Latest: Chelsea interest

According to one Spanish outlet, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wants a ‘reconstruction’ in all areas at Stamford Bridge, including the playing squad.

Luiz has been name-checked as a ‘phenomenal option’ for the Blues, who could make an offer in the New Year.

The Verdict: Time to sell?

Villa received just over £16m for teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the summer, and it looks as if NSWE may receive contact from Chelsea once again come January.

Should Luiz’s contract situation remain the same, Villa may need to seriously think about selling the Brazilian, as otherwise they could lose him for nothing in the summer.

It appears as if the midfielder has his heart set elsewhere, so the coming months could give the Midlands club the time to find a potential replacement.