Aston Villa may still have to fight to keep Douglas Luiz at the club this summer.
According to journalist Dean Jones, talking to GiveMeSport, it is an “open secret” that Arsenal are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. However, the Midlands outfit are determined to keep hold of Luiz, and the Gunners are unlikely to be able to force a deal to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
However, there is no guarantee that the north London club won’t come in for Luiz, or that the 25-year-old himself won’t push for an agreement to be reached.
Unai Emery recognises just how crucial Luiz is to Aston Villa’s prospects of further success. The Spanish coach has previously described the Brazilian as being “very important,” as quoted by Birmingham Live.
Luiz is central to Aston Villa’s progress
Luiz was certainly key to the Villans’ success last season. He played 37 times in the Premier League, only sitting out the second game of the campaign. He also chipped in with 6 goals and 6 assists as Emery’s side secured Europa Conference League football.
Luiz will be equally as important for Villa again this season, if they can keep him at the club. Successfully retaining his services would be as important as any of the signings that the club have brought in to Villa Park this summer. He gives Emery’s side a platform to build on from the base of midfield. The likes of Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby will only be able to shine in the final third with the freedom and security provided by Luiz’s patrolling presence in the middle of the park.
Eventually, Luiz will be desperate to prove his quality at Champions League level, especially if he wants to keep adding to his nine Brazil caps. Aston Villa fans will hope that he can achieve those aims with the club, but even if he does eventually move on, it’s crucial that he doesn’t do so just yet.
