Transfer Centre

Aston Villa 'to open Douglas Luiz contract talks amid Arsenal links'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 31 October 2023

Aston Villa are reportedly keen to hold contract talks with midfielder Douglas Luiz amid speculation regarding interest from Arsenal.

Aston Villa are reportedly eager to extend the contract of midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Having failed to earn Premier League football with Manchester City, Luiz made the switch to the West Midlands in 2019 in a deal worth in the region of £15m.

At the time, the transfer was deemed to be somewhat of a risk, yet the Brazil international has developed into one of the club's best midfielders of the modern-day era.

A total of 18 goals and 15 assists have come from 167 appearances in all competitions, Luiz playing a key role in their push to the top seven of the Premier League last season.

The 25-year-old has also chipped in with five strikes and an assist in the 2023-24 top flight, with Villa sitting in fifth position and just four points adrift of top spot.

Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz celebrates scoring against West Ham United on October 22, 2023 © Reuters

With Villa also pushing to win the Europa Conference League this season, there is little to no prospect of Luiz being sold in the January window.

Nevertheless, Villa are reaching the stage where they are coming under increasing pressure to tie up Luiz's long-term future, his contract due to expire in 2026.

Although over two-and-a-half years remain on his contract, more clubs will take an interest in the former Vasco Da Gama youngster if a renewal does not materialise.

According to Football Insider, club officials have plans to open negotiations over fresh terms at the turn of the year.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts on October 29, 2023 © Reuters

That will be of reassurance to Unai Emery who views Luiz as a certain starter in his midfield when fit, with the player one of eight players to start every Premier League contest this season.

However, Arsenal are known to be long-term admirers of Luiz having previously failed to tempt him into a transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta is said to be assessing his options in midfield at present with doubts over the long-term futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

While the picture has changed with Villa now being viewed as a direct rival to Arsenal, it would not prevent the two clubs doing business in the future if Villa were unable to convince Luiz to remain at the club.