Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has been trying to play off reports suggesting that Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz will again be a transfer target for the Gunners in January.
What did Gerrard say about Douglas Luiz?
Speculation continues to rage over the future of Douglas Luiz, with Arsenal attempting to fly him to north London at the end of the summer window. Interest is reported to be restored and a big money bid will be posted at Emirates Stadium, but Steven wants to point out that Aston Villa have no intention of parting ways with Douglas Luiz, whom they are still hoping to tie on fresh terms.
The Aston Villa manager has said of the renewed transfer talks around the Brazilian midfielder that there is no news in terms of extending his stay, so the situation has not changed. “But I would say he is very focused, he has trained well.
“Am I surprised by the speculation? No, because we have a young Brazilian player who is a fantastic talent,” Villa’s boss said. According to Steven Gerrard, he expects to be asked this question a lot as the season progresses. They want Douglas Luiz to stay. Steven thinks the owners have been very strong in keeping him here. Steven Gerrard says they didn’t want to lose him on the last day and Douglas Luiz has been doing great ever since.
A little about Douglas Luiz
Douglas joined Aston Villa from the Citizens in the summer of 2019 and will see his current contract at the West Midlands expire at the end of the season – meaning the player could drop into the free agent pool unless a sale is agreed during the winter and agreed extension in his current surroundings.
Douglas Luiz, who has nine senior caps for his country and is an Olympic gold medal winner, has scored two goals in seven appearances this season and will hope his form can push him to compete for a spot in Brazil’s plans for the 2022 World Cup.