Unai Emery has sent a firm warning to Arsenal that Douglas Luiz is not for sale. The Gunners are linked with a move for the Aston Villa star but their former head coach insists he wants him to stay.
Arsenal could enter the market for a midfielder in the January transfer window. Thomas Partey has missed much of the season so far through injury and won’t feature for the rest of 2023.
The Ghana star is linked with a move away from the Emirates and Mikel Arteta would need to replace him. Arsenal wanted Luiz in the summer of 2022 but failed with several approaches late in the window.
He is again said to be a target ahead of January following a superb individual start to the season. But Emery says Luiz is happy at Villa Park and he wants him to stay.
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Emery said: “Douglas is playing very good. He’s improved a lot, his commitment is amazing. I am very happy with him and I want to keep him of course.
“I think he’s happy with us. He’s coming on with his national team. And his performance like today was amazing, fantastic. I want him.”
Emery spoke after Villa’s 2-1 win over Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday. Goals from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins took Villa above their opponents and condemned Spurs to their third defeat in a row.
Luiz played the whole game in midfield and has started every league game so far this season. He has five goals and two assists to his name, on course to record the best goalscoring campaign of his career.
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Arsenal failed with three offers to sign Luiz 15 months ago. The final bid totalled £25million but Villa were not prepared to sell so late in the window.
The Brazilian signed a new contract just over a month later to commit him to Villa until the end of the 2025/26 season. He has been a pivotal part of Emery’s reign so far, helping Villa reach fourth place in the Premier League with Sunday’s win.
Arsenal may have to look elsewhere to strengthen their options in midfield. Partey’s contract expires in just over 18 months’ time but his fitness record has become a concern for Arteta.
Jorginho’s current contract expires at the end of this season. However, the Gunners do have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
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