Aston Villa stand firm over Douglas Luiz despite Arsenal, Man City & Liverpool interest
- Arsenal have long admired Luiz & failed with three bids in 2022
- Man City have joined the race for the midfielder, who they sold to Villa in 2019
- Unai Emery is determined to keep hold of Brazilian star
Aston Villa remain adamant they will not entertain offers for midfielder Douglas Luiz in January, 90min understands, despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal failed with three bids for Luiz in 2022 but have continued to follow the Brazil international, who has excelled this season under Unai Emery as Villa have firmly established themselves as top four contenders.
Sources have now confirmed to 90min that Man City have expressed an interest in Luiz - a player who spent two years on the books at the Etihad Stadium without ever actually playing for the club.
City signed Luiz from Vasco da Gama in 2017 and immediately sent him on a two-year loan to partner side Girona, after which he was sold permanently to Villa for a fee of around £15m.
Liverpool have also made it clear that they would be interested in pursuing Luiz if he chooses to leave Villa, but they have not received any encouragement that a move is on the cards.
"He's playing very good. He’s improved a lot, his commitment is amazing," Villa boss Unai Emery said after Sunday's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. "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. I want him."
Villa have made it clear to all suitors that Luiz is not for sale and any offers for the Brazil international in January will not be humoured.
Luiz, who has racked up over 150 Premier League appearances during his time with Villa, has five goals and two assists to his name this season as the Villans have roared up to fourth in the standings with 28 points after 13 games.
The midfielder signed a new four-year contract in 2022 in response to Arsenal's initial pursuit and remains under contract at Villa Park until 2026, meaning club officials are under very little pressure to listen to offers.
Luiz is known to be keen to lead Villa into the Champions League and is also hopeful of getting his hands on silverware, with Villa among the favourites to win the Europa Conference League this year.
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