Aston Villa expected to green light Douglas Luiz transfer after source’s update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Aston Villa to strike a deal to sell Douglas Luiz this summer amid interest from Arsenal.
The former Villa defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 23-year-old looks likely to leave as he heads into the final 12 months of his contract.
An Arsenal source told Football Insider on Monday (11 April) that the Gunners are lining up a new bid for Luiz after failing with a move in January.
Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new defensive midfielder and has set his sights on the Brazilian.
Significantly, Aston Villa are open to offers as Steven Gerrard looks to free up space for his own targets.
As such, Hutton insisted there is a deal to be done between the two Premier League rivals.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think everything points to him possibly leaving.
“There were obviously clubs in January that were looking at him. It didn’t quite happen. Now this Arsenal one has come up.
“They do obviously need reinforcements in that defensive midfield area so it’s probably a good suit for him.
“Maybe it’s time to freshen things up. It seems like that’s something that will happen in the summer.”
Luiz has been a regular for Villa this season, with 25 league starts under his belt.
He has often played as the deepest-lying member of a midfield trio alongside Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn
Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson are Gerrard’s other senior midfield options at Villa Park.
However, the Zimbabwe international has missed most of the season with a serious knee injury.
In other news, medical expert claims Aston Villa star’s season may be over.