Douglas Luiz could give his green light to a big move in the summer and force Aston Villa’s hand amid Arsenal and Manchester City links.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal and Manchester City’s interest could turn Douglas Luiz’s head in the summer as he could itch for a move. Aston Villa have placed a massive price tag on the Brazilian, but those top teams may work out a deal for the £100 million-rated midfielder.
The Douglas Luiz situation so far
Douglas Luiz has become a mainstay under Unai Emery, with Aston Villa currently third in the table. The Brazilian’s performances have elevated the team’s overall quality, as they might stand a chance to challenge for the title with the midfielder in the group.
Meanwhile, reports mentioned Aston Villa’s eagerness to offer him a new deal to ward off prominent suitors chasing the midfielder. Only a couple of summer windows ago did Arsenal lodge a series of bids on deadline day, only for the Midlands side to reject them all and extend the midfielder’s contract. For now, he remains happy at the club and may look forward to see how the current campaign ends.
That deal will last until 2026, meaning clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City will want to see how Aston Villa reacts in the summer when Luiz has two years left. Those clubs may have already explored the idea of a January move, but Aston Villa could reject a massive bid for the £100 million-rated Aston Villa star.
Despite placing a considerable price tag, the Villans could have their hands forced in the summer when Luiz will have all the reasons to move on. Arsenal are already planning a summer move, but Manchester City could also enter the chase in a big way.
Arsenal or Manchester City? Who leads the chase?
Arsenal have already sounded out a move for Luiz a few times now and could take the lead if they can get their groundwork in place. Manchester City are ready to rival to sign their former midfielder and may have some favourable clauses in his Villa contract.
As per a report in Birmingham Mail, Man City had a buyback clause, which may have expired in 2021. However, there’s speculation that Pep Guardiola’s side has a sell-on clause, which could help them potentially reduce Aston Villa’s asking price.
Manchester City could have the upper hand in that case, but Arsenal may have already sounded out their project to the Brazilian. Hence, a big battle could brew in the summer, as this interest could turn Luiz’s head in favour of a move away from Villa.
