Exclusive: Aston Villa make decision on their in-demand player Roy Keane really likes

Aston Villa are going places under manager Unai Emery, and one of the main reasons behind that is the quality of their midfield.

Not only are Aston Villa in the running for a top-four finish in the Premier League table this season, but they could also end up winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Villa are fifth in the Premier League table with 60 points from 32 matches. The Villans are level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played 31 games.

Unai Emery’s team have progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League this season. Villa beat Lille 2-1 at Villa Park in the first leg of the quarter-final tie.

John McGinn has been a star for Villa this season. The Scotland international midfielder has scored nine goals and given seven assists in 44 appearances and has been solid in the middle of the park.

Another Villa midfielder who is at the top of his game right now is Douglas Luiz. The Brazil international is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park and is one of the first names on the teamsheet when he is fit and available.

The 25-year-old midfielder has scored 10 goals and given 10 assists in 46 matches in all competitions this season. Luiz scored seven goals and gave six assists in 40 games in all competitions for the Villans in the last campaign.

Aston Villa stance on Arsenal target Douglas Luiz

Luiz is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is only 25, and there is no wonder that Arsenal are keen on him.

HITC understands that Arsenal have tried to sign Luiz on more than one occasion and remain keen, although, we have reported, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is their top midfield target in the summer transfer window.

Villa, though, are taking no chances. Sources have told HITC that the Villans are preparing a bumper new contract for Luiz.

The Premier League club have opened dialogue and are ready to offer him a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

The Villans have been hugely impressed by how well Luiz has done under Emery. The former Manchester City prospect’s current contract at Villa runs until 2026.

Roy Keane’s verdict on Douglas Luiz

Roy Keane is one of the most outspoken pundits there. It is not easy to please the former Manchester United midfielder, but Douglas Luiz has hugely impressed the ex-Villa assistant manager.

Keane said about Luiz on Sky Sports Premier League (14/01/24 at 1:45 pm): “He turns up every week this player. Never seems to be injured. Quality player. I like him.

“I think he was linked with Arsenal last year. There are no surprises there, with some of the Villa players, you think they can certainly go on to play for a Man United, Arsenal or even Man City, you look at Watkins.

“But I like Luiz. He is consistent. Turns up week in and week out. You know what you are going to get from him. I like a lot about him. Probably lacks that real pace maybe. In terms of his decision-making and looking after the ball. Very, very good.”

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