According to reports, Unai Emery is trying to ward off Arsenal’s interest by getting Aston Villa to prepare a new contract for one of their key players. Aston Villa has been among the Premier League’s best teams under Emery, and they appear capable of qualifying for the Champions League this year. Emery is desperate to keep the current team together given their stellar run of play, even though many of their best players have been linked to moves away.
Ollie Watkins, an England international, has been linked to Chelsea and Arsenal recently due to his prolific play this season. Under Emery, Douglas Luiz has also been a vital player for Aston Villa, and the Brazilian midfielder is reportedly liked by the Gunners. The 25-year-old is one of the league’s most sought-after midfielders because of his excellent goal-scoring form this season and his diligent work ethic off the ball. Luiz leads the Aston Villa team in tackles won per game with 2.3, only surpassed by Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash.
It makes sense that a team like Arsenal would be interested in him given his profile. But now Aston Villa has devised a strategy to retain the Villa Park star, a Brazilian.
Given his profile, it makes sense that a team like Arsenal would be considering him. However, Aston Villa has now come up with a plan to hold onto the Brazilian Villa Park star.
Plans for new contract negotiations
Aston Villa is now hoping to sign Luiz to a new contract in order to safeguard his long-term worth and ward off any interest from Arsenal. Aston Villa is getting ready to start contract negotiations with Luiz after his stellar run of play under Emery, according to Football Insider. Since his current contract is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2026, Aston Villa still has time to negotiate a long-term extension with him. After graduating from the Vasco da Gama academy, Man City signed the 25-year-old in 2017. He had a fruitful loan stint with Girona, but he never played for City at the senior level.
He was then signed by Aston Villa in 2019, and they haven’t looked back. Now that Luiz is among the first names on the team sheet, it would be difficult to replace him.
Not to mention, his leadership abilities have been observed, and his skill at the penalty spot gives his game another dimension. Supporters of Aston Villa will be hoping that a new contract can be negotiated quickly.
