Arsenal set for Aston Villa transfer disappointment as transfer clause claim made
Aston Villa are ready to 'fend off' any interest in star midfielder Douglas Luiz,[1] according to a report. The Brazilian midfielder has been one of the leading performers in Villa's[2] climb towards into the Champions League places, fitting perfectly into Unai Emery[3]'s system. Indeed he has been on top of his game for most of the Spaniard's time at the club and has accordingly been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Indeed, Arsenal are known to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, having previously bid for him. That was in the summer of 2022 and Luiz has since emerged as a key player for Villa, signing a new contract just over a year ago and recently speaking publicly about his desire to stay with the club.[4]
He said: "I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa.
My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day.
My head is here at Aston Villa." That might not stop suitors chancing their arm in next month's transfer window, but according to the Daily Mail[7] Villa's resolve will remain firm - safe in the knowledge that Luiz does not have a release clause that could be triggered. The report also claims Villa now value Luiz at GBP100m, four times what Arsenal are said to have offered for him a year-and-a-half ago.
Villa bought Luiz from Man City in 2019 and Pep Guardiola decided not to exercise the option to buy him back.
Since then he has played 175 times for the club.
Where does Douglas Luiz rank among Premier League midfielders? Have your say here[8]
References
- ^ Douglas Luiz, (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Villa's (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Unai Emery (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ speaking publicly about his desire to stay with the club. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Villa face major contract change as new rule given green light (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Robbie Savage snubs Villa in Premier League title race prediction (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Have your say here (www.birminghammail.co.uk)