Douglas Luiz’s future at Aston Villa is a ‘touchy situation’, says Steven Gerrard
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Douglas Luiz’s future at Aston Villa is a ‘sensitive situation’ with the Brazilian out of contract next summer, Steven Gerrard admits…
- Steven Gerrard admits not surprised by interest in Douglas Luiz
- The Brazilian was the subject of Arsenal’s ultimately failed deadline day interest
- But the 24-year-old has now entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park
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Steven Gerrard expects speculation over the future of Douglas Luiz all season, but admits it is a “sensitive situation” with the Brazilian losing his contract next summer.
The Villa boss is well aware that his star midfielder is highly sought after – Arsenal failed to bring him in on the deadline – and admits the interest in his services is no surprise after several strong performances at the start of a season.
Luiz’s dominating performances in his 118 games since joining Villa have turned the heads of a number of clubs, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who had turned down a late offer for the 24-year-old.
Douglas Luiz (right) is now in the final year of his contract with Aston Villa after joining in 2019
Gerrard said, ‘Am I surprised by the speculation? No, because we have a young Brazilian player who is a fantastic talent.
“I expect this question will be asked a lot as the season progresses. We want him to stay here. I think the owners were very strong in keeping him here.
“We didn’t want to lose him on the final day and he has done very well since then.”
Luiz has become a key player for Gerrard’s Villa, anchoring the midfield and providing crucial cover for a threesome who have come under increasing fire this season.
Gerrard praised the way the 24-year-old has been doing his job since a move to the Gunners was foiled.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard (left) admitted he was not surprised by the interest in the Brazilian, with Mikel Arteta (right) and Arsenal failing a deadline for the midfielder.
But with his contract set to expire in June 2023, it can only be worrying that the club has made little progress towards securing a longer contract as Brazil’s rejection approaches in the summer.
Gerrard said of the situation over the summer: “We are not in a position to lose our top players, but at the same time he still has a year to go. It’s one of those sensitive situations where the club has to do what’s best for the club, not necessarily what’s best for me.”
However, Gerrard will likely have to deter a renewed approach at the start of the January transfer window as the Gunners appear to be strengthening their midfield.
Thomas Partey’s durability is thought to have become a point of frustration for Arteta, following another injury with Ghana on international duty.
After a £20million bid was rejected in the summer, Luiz’s price will have fallen to an even more affordable price in January, as the club face the unwelcome prospect of potentially losing him for nothing in the summer.
