Douglas Luiz: Pundit issues ‘big’ Arsenal claim after talkSPORT update on Aston Villa exit
Aston Villa will not sell Douglas Luiz on deadline day amid interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
That is the view of former Claret and Blue striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the possibility of the 23-year-old leaving Villa Park before tonight’s deadline.
According to the Daily Mail (28 January), Spurs and set to rival Arsenal for Luiz’s signature.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Brazil international this month after allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join AS Roma on loan.
According to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook (30 January), Luiz’s situation is “one to watch” on deadline day.
The centre-midfielder has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Luiz’s future, Phillips said: “I don’t think he’ll leave today.
“Luiz is a big player for Aston Villa. I cannot see a situation where Steven Gerrard would let him go, to be honest.
“He probably suits the style of play at Arsenal. Arteta likes them to play out of the back and Luiz likes to get on the ball.
“But at this moment in time I don’t think he’ll leave Villa, even if they bring another midfielder in.
“I think it is something they may reassess in the summer if the player wants to leave but right now, it’s a non-starter for me. I cannot see him leaving.”
In other news, a pundit has cited Ings in a ‘brilliant’ Aston Villa transfer verdict as another ‘great’ signing completed.