- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Aston Villa are not ruling out cashing in on their star Premier League midfielder Douglas Luiz with contract talks on hold for the long-time Arsenal target.
HITC understands that, while Unai Emery’s side have attempted to downplay suggestions that they will be forced to sell a key man or two this summer, there remains a chance that Douglas Luiz is sacrificed to ease the club’s Profit and Sustainability concerns.
There is interest in the likes of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and homegrown hero Jacob Ramsey. Top scorer Ollie Watkins too, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal big admirers of the England international.
HITC have been told, however, that Brazilian playmaker Douglas Luiz may be Aston Villa’s most ‘sellable’ asset. Especially given that his contract only has two years left to run.
Aston Villa could sacrifice Douglas Luiz this summer
Aston Villa, who will be playing in the Champions League for the first time next season but first have to navigate a testing summer, held talks with Luiz’s camp last season with regards to a contract extension. Those financial worries, however, have played such discussions on hold for the time being.
Villa, we understand, are neither ruling out a new deal being rubber stamped. But nor are they ruling out the prospect of a sale between now and September.
Luiz, a £15 million signing from Manchester City in 2019, is one of a number of players who has taken his game to an all-new level under former Arsenal, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain coach Emery. Previously a solid, reliable operator in the centre of the park, Luiz has blossomed into one of the most rounded and complete midfielders in the whole of the Premier League.
A superb passer of the ball, Luiz is capable of thriving both as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box number eight. The one-time Girona loanee also broke into double figures in 2023/24, providing a further 10 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal submitted a number of bids for Luiz back in 2022, including one final offer of £25 million. The 26-year-old would cost a lot more than that these days.
HITC understands that the Gunners remain long-time admirers, and may yet rekindle their interest as number one target Martin Zubimendi looks likely to stay in La Liga with Real Sociedad.
“Any team would dream to have (Declan) Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa,” former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant told talkSPORT in December. “I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better.
“I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice.
“So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, (I would pick) Douglas Luiz.”
Juventus also in race for Brazil star
Juventus, HITC have been told, are also big fans of Luiz. The Serie A giants are prioritising a move for Atalanta enforcer Teun Koopmeiners.
Though if Europe’s biggest clubs get wind of Aston Villa being open to a sale, it surely will not take long before the suitors are queuing up.
Aston Villa are, we understand, open to offers for £26 million centre-back Douglas Luiz. Jhon Duran is also attracting interest from Chelsea, while Philippe Coutinho looks likely to follow Morgan Sanson out of the door.
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