Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is expected to attract attention in the summer transfer window once again, however, the Brazilian will likely stay at Villa Park on one condition.
Aston Villa will be braced to receive interest for Douglas Luiz in the summer, as the Brazilian continues to impress in Unai Emery’s squad.
The 25-year-old has been on the watchlist of Arsenal since 2022, when the Gunners had three bids for the midfielder turned down by the Midlands club.
Mikel Arteta was speculated to have offered a bid in the region of £25m for the Brazil international, who will be worth significantly more given the climate of the market when it comes to midfielders of Luiz’s calibre.
Having netted nine goals and recorded five assists so far this season in the Premier League, it could be said that Luiz is nearing his prime, playing a vital role in Emery’s Champions League hopeful squad.
It will be crucial for Villa to keep hold of their illusive midfielder in the summer however, the club could be handed a boost under one condition.
Douglas Luiz Aston Villa to Arsenal transfer move assessed
Sporting a CIES Football Observatory market value of €80m (£68.5m), Arsenal and other clubs eyeing the Villa sensation would be expected to pay a blockbuster fee to lure Luiz away from Villa Park.
That being said, a price may not need to be discussed, with HITC journalist Graeme Bailey speaking exclusively to Aston Villa News to provide an interesting update on the 25-year-old’s future.
“Midfield is an interesting one for them, obviously, Douglas Luiz’s future does have a bearing, they’re determined to keep him and if they get top four he’s definitely staying.”
“If not then they might have to fend off Arsenal again, he’s very much on Arsenal’s list.”
Champions League important for Aston Villa to keep Arsenal away from Douglas Luiz
Bailey’s update reinforces the importance of Aston Villa confirming a place in the Champions League for the 2024/25 season.
At present, Emery’s side are in a strong position to make their dream a reality, sitting three points clear in fourth place, as well as having the prospect of an extra Champions League place on the horizon.
It’s crucial that Villa tie down a position in the prestigious tournament next season, not just to mark the club’s progression, but to retain key players that could attract clubs in the summer.
From Luiz to Ollie Watkins to Leon Bailey, Emery’s project will only continue to move in an upward direction if quality remains in the Midlands, something that will be significantly eased with a top-four finish.
Given that Arsenal were willing to spend £105m to acquire Declan Rice last summer, Villa will be eager to move talents like Luiz away from the Gunners’ reach, with the North London club capable of teasing glamourous figures.
The post Exclusive: Douglas Luiz future at Aston Villa ‘definitely’ hinges on one key factor appeared first on Aston Villa News.