Ty Bracey exclusive: Douglas Luiz likely to leave Aston Villa even if he signs new deal
We’re delighted to welcome Villa View host Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Midfielder Douglas Luiz is likely to leave Aston Villa next summer whether he signs his new contract or not before then, believes Ty Bracey.
The Brazilian appeared to be close to signing a new deal before the season started but became a key target for Arsenal on transfer deadline day, with the Lions rejecting three offers for him.
Bracey would love him to remain at the club but accepts that now the option of a move to the Emirates is likely to be on the table at the end of the season it will probably be the player’s preference to move.
“I think he will go in the summer regardless of whether he signed a new deal or not,” he exclusively told Villa News.
“I’d love for there to be a turn of events where he finds some form in the starting XI and he wants to stay and help us push on.
“Ultimately he looks like he’s looking for a way out and Arsenal are going to be pushing for some Champions League football this year.
“They were a club who were after him. They tried and he’ll know in his head that he can go and play at that level so if that’s what he wants to go and do who are we to stop him?”
If the club can convince Luiz to sign the new contract it would at least protect his value come the summer if they agree he could go for a certain price.
However, if his head has been turned by the interest then the extension ship may have already sailed.
After being heavily involved for the previous three seasons at Villa Park his minutes are way down this year, and goals from corners aside, it will surely take a major upturn in his involvement for the rest of the campaign for there to be an outside chance he stays.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are feeling the loss of former assistant Michael Beale.