Aston Villa is optimistic about securing a deal for a midfielder valued at £100 million, pushing aside competition from Arsenal and Manchester City.
Aston Villa is optimistic about persuading Douglas Luiz to extend his contract at Villa Park this summer, despite potential interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City – provided one crucial condition is met.
The Brazilian midfielder has been in superb form this season under Unai Emery’s management, with Aston Villa controlling their fate in the Champions League race. However, their crucial match against Tottenham at Villa Park on Sunday could significantly influence which team clinches a top-four finish, with Manchester United also in contention.
Douglas Luiz has demonstrated exceptional performance this season, solidifying his status as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders and even potentially earning a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award. With nine goals and five assists from 26 Premier League appearances, Villa values him at a minimum of £100 million, which seems reasonable given recent transfer fees for midfielders like Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez.
Although several clubs would be interested in acquiring Luiz, Villa is expected to resist any attempts to lure him away, especially amid reports of financial pressures prompting the sale of star players. Arsenal, who previously had a £25 million bid rejected in 2022, and Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Luiz. However, Villa is confident about securing his commitment, especially with the potential success in the UEFA Conference League and Champions League qualification.
Former Villa player Alan Hutton believes that if Villa finishes strongly and achieves European success, Luiz would be inclined to stay. Hutton is convinced that Luiz is content at Villa Park and would be reluctant to leave a club where he feels something special is being built.
