‘Arsenal could land him’ – Journalist backs Gunners to sign contract rebel for ‘cut-price fee’
Arsenal could sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz for a ‘cut-price fee’ as his contract continues to dwindle, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
THE LOWDOWN: LUIZ’S CONTRACT
Having signed a four-year deal upon his arrival at Villa Park in 2019, the Brazil international has just nine months remaining on his current contract.
The defensive midfielder was subject to a late push by Mikel Arteta’s side this summer, with three deadline day bids worth up to £25m having been made by the Gunners.
However, despite the player’s interest in the move, Villa remained firm on their £40m valuation, keeping him at the club until January at least.
THE LATEST: O’ROURKE’S COMMENTS
Following reports that Luiz does not want to sign a contract extension at Villa, O’Rourke believes that the Gunners may be able to convince the Midlands outfit into selling the 24-year-old in January for a reduced rate.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “Douglas Luiz’s situation at Villa is uncertain and he is out of contract in the summer as well.
“Do Villa have to sell him in January if he’s not going to sign a new deal? Maybe Arsenal could land him for a cut-price fee.”
THE VERDICT: HE’D BE A GREAT COUP
Having also attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool, Roma, Juventus (Calciomercato), Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham (Daily Mail), Luiz’s technical quality is undeniable.
Previously hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by former Villa manager Dean Smith, the Brazil international has the experience to perform at the top level for Arsenal, given that he has made 109 appearances in the Premier League and a further 38 in La Liga.
Given Arteta’s lack of options in the middle of the park, signing Luiz a reduced rate would add a cut-price but strong addition to the north Londoners’ squad, and a renewed effort to sign the midfielder in January seems likely unless his contract impasse is resolved in the meantime.
