Arsenal target Douglas Luiz has told the Gunners that he is happy at Aston Villa in a potential dent to Edu’s summer transfer plans. The midfielder feels that Champions League-chasing Villa are making history under Unai Emery and is enjoying being part of that journey.
Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the Brazilian, who was once on the books of Manchester City. Arsenal made several unsuccessful attempts to sign him in the summer of 2022.
Luiz has contributed significantly to a successful season at Villa Park. Emery’s side are fifth in the Premier League and are level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal. Fifth-place could even earn a spot in next season’s Champions League.
The 25-year-old says he wants to “write a new chapter” with Villa after enjoying his first year under the former Arsenal boss Emery. His comments likely rule out a summer move to the Emirates Stadium.
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“We’re all very happy with how this season is going, especially me, with all the history that the club is building and for my goals and assists, too,” Luiz told DAZN Portugal.
“Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.
“Since Unai arrived there was a huge boost in the group’s confidence. I think he brought confidence to the team because we always had a good group of players.
“The squad is pretty much the same, only one or two players were bought in, so I think his work was important for the history that we’re writing.”
Arsenal have spent vast sums of money on improving their midfield in recent years. Declan Rice was signed in a £105million deal from West Ham last summer, while Kai Havertz – who has combined midfield and attack duties this term – joined from Chelsea for £65m.
Sporting director Edu and Arteta are likely to continue making improvements to the club’s first-team in hunt of a first Premier League title. They are top of the league but are level on 71 points with Liverpool.
Arsenal are also among the favourites to win the Champions League and will take a 2-2 draw back to Germany next Wednesday after being held by Bayern Munich in north London on Tuesday night. Leandro Trossard’s goal cancelled out Harry Kane’s penalty on an enthralling night of European football.
