Sources: Douglas Luiz’s head turned by Man City and Arsenal interest
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is interested in a potential move to Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (18 December) that the Gunners are set to push to land Luiz, 25, next summer – when he will have just 24 months remaining on his contract.
Man City also have a strong interest in re-signing the Brazil international, who left the Etihad Stadium in 2019 without making an appearance for the club.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Luiz has had his “head turned” by the interest in his services from England’s elite clubs including City.
Jack Grealish quit Villa for City in a £100million deal in the summer of 2021 in what was then the biggest deal in British football history.
However, he is a key part of Villa’s plans and is playing regularly for Brazil ahead of next year’s Copa America tournament.
The midfielder has no plans to force a move away, but with his contract situation remaining uncertain – both Arsenal and City are hoping to prise him away from the Midlands giants.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a January swoop for Luiz “looks impossible” with Villa set to ask for around £100m for his signature.
However, the 25-year-old will have two years left to run on his deal when the season comes to a conclusion and it is believed his valuation will drop accordingly if there is no progress made on a new agreement.
Arsenal have previously made concerted moves to sign Luiz and had more than two bids rejected for him in 2022’s summer window.
He has made 25 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, notching six goals and four assists.
The Rio de Janeiro-born ace last signed a contract extension at Villa in October 2022.
In other news, Aston Villa eye two January striker deals.