Arsenal have shown interest in Douglas Luiz in recent weeks and Aston Villa are now eying Salis Abdul Samed as a potential replacement, should he leave.
It has been a great start to the season for Aston Villa and as a result, people from all corners are sitting up and taking notice.
Under the tutelage of Unai Emery many Villa players have gone from strength to strength and seen plenty of acclaim come their way.
With stars like John McGinn returning to their best, the Villans have risen up the league very quickly. From 17th to 4th in just over 12 months.
This campaign Villa have lost just three times and have maintained a 100% winning record at Villa Park. This sees them well in the hunt for the Champions League places.
As a result of the great form, Premier League giants are sniffing around one of the Villans’ best players. They would need replacing should a move come to pass.
What has been said about Douglas Luiz?
The reports over Douglas Luiz moving away from B6 are refusing to go away right now. It had been reported just days ago that Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City had joined Arsenal in the pursuit. Villa fans are desperate to keep their Brazilian star.
This sentiment was echoed by Emery who said: “I want to keep him“
With that being said, this isn’t discouraging the Gunners. TEAMtalk suggests: “Mikel Arteta has been a long-time fan of midfielder Douglas Luiz and he tops the list for Arsenal as they attempt to add depth to the squad.”
It must be said that it would take a truly irrejectable bid to come in for the Villans to part with their star man. On that, it has been said: “Villa are extremely cautious about selling a key player mid-season but they have added a few names to a list of potential replacements.”
Who is Salis Abdul Samed?
The man who has been named as a potential replacement is Salis Abdul Samed, should Luiz be let go this winter.
On that, TEAMtalk added: “One player who has caught the eye and is on Villa’s list is Lens midfielder Salis Abdul Samed who has been impressive for the French side this season.”
The 23-year old has made 13 appearances so far this season and has made quite the impression in Ligue 1. He signed for Lens last year in a deal worth £4m from Clermont Foot and it is safe to say he is worth more now.
Samed plays in a similar fashion, positionally, compared to Luiz. He is able to play as a six but prefers to play in a more advanced role where possible. His passing makes him a standout but his defensive output could be improved.
Reports suggest: “His value has risen significantly in recent months, and it will take £30m to convince Lens to part with him in the middle of the season.”
With the Villans looking for £80m+ for Luiz, this could be a good use of the funds. Although it does pose a risk given his lack of true top-level experience.
Emery and Co won’t want to lose Luiz anytime soon and a move away for him feels very unlikely. With that being said, the fact the club are already eyeing replacements, that can only be a positive.
