The Evening Standard claim that Aston Villa have rejected a £30million bid from an unnamed Premier League club for midfielder Douglas Luiz. The report says it was not Arsenal’s bid, but the Gunners do want the Brazilian.
Luiz, 23, has been excellent for Villa since joining the club in the summer of 2019 from Manchester City. He has since clocked up 94 appearances in all competitions. But the Brazil ace has entered the last 18 months of his deal.
Steven Gerrard recently spoke publicly about Luiz, stating a contract had not been offered to the five-time international. Now, the Standard report that Arsenal are interested in luring Luiz to The Emirates this month.
However, an unnamed club are said to have tabled a fee of £30million for Luiz – which has been rejected. The report states it did not come from the Gunners, but it does mean Arsenal might have to pay north of said fee.
Arsenal eye Luiz: What is a fair price for Villa midfielder?
If Villa are choosing to reject a fee of £30million for Luiz, then it is clear they are going to want the best part of £40million for the Brazilian. That, or they are simply against selling him until a replacement comes in.
Villa are light in the middle of the park and have been linked with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. But even if they sign one of those names, selling Luiz remains unlikely. Contract talks could start soon.
However, Arsenal have the financial power to be able to tempt the Midlands club and if Villa receive a fee of £40million – double what they paid for Luiz – then perhaps, Gerrard’s side could consider an exit.
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