Atletico Madrid are preparing a £20 million offer for Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal transfer target, Douglas Luiz, who could leave Aston Villa before Thursday’s deadline day, according to a report.
The Telegraph claim that Luiz was set to sign a three-year deal at Steven Gerrard’s side, but Atletico are now ‘readying’ a £20 million bid for the Villa midfielder, who has one-year left on his contract in the Midlands.
There have been previous suggestions that both Arsenal and Tottenham are keen to sign the Brazil star – Mikel Arteta’s need to want another midfielder would have increased following Mohamed Elneny’s recent injury.
The issue here is that Villa themselves need another midfielder, a number eight, like Luiz but with more physicality, so it would be a big call if they accept an offer for him so late on in the transfer window.
It also needs to be remembered that the same side also sold youngster Carney Chukwuemeka to Chelsea for £20 million this summer (Sky Sports), so surely they will demand more for Luiz, who is a senior figure and a more important player to Gerrard, at this current moment?
Over the weekend, Luiz started Villa’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United and he might just be in the starting XI for their trip to Arsenal on Wednesday night.
UPROAR IF LUIZ LEAVES VILLA
There is serious heat in the kitchen at Villa Park because of how Gerrard’s side have started the new season in an abject fashion and the lack of activity in the market in recent weeks.
Villa fans are expecting and hoping for some much-needed quality to be brought in before Thursday’s deadline, not key players leaving.
If Luiz is allowed to leave, regardless of his contract situation, the man in the dugout is the one who will take most of the flak.
Either way, Gerrad’s job in B6 is at a tipping point, and these next few weeks could take a turn for the worst, or the club might see the light and drive forward in the long run.
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