Aston Villa will be thrilled over Fabrizio Romano update on exit-linked Douglas Luiz
Aston Villa will be thrilled following an update from Fabrizio Romano on the future of exit-linked Douglas Luiz.
The Italian journalist reported in his Daily Briefing on Friday (24 November) that the Brazilian international has emerged as the number-one target for Arsenal to strengthen their midfield ahead of the January transfer window.
But he added that it will be “hard” for the Gunners to agree a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder as Villa look to keep hold of one of their prize assets.
The increased interest in Luiz comes after there has been concern at the Emirates around Thomas Partey, who has undergone surgery to clear up a “significant” thigh problem that has meant he’s played just once since August.
The Villans man has been in scintillating form this season, having scored six goals and laid on two assists in 19 appearances to help his side up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News on 3 November, Alan Hutton said the midfielder has to be worth more than £50million following his recent exploits at Villa Park.
He added: “He’s at a great age, he’s been outstanding and he can probably play for most teams in the Premier League except for Manchester City, who are arguably the strongest team. I think he can play with anyone and obviously, people are sniffing about.
“He ticks all the boxes so I think we’re talking about record fees here. Obviously, Jack Grealish is the record sale and he won’t reach that but we’re talking record numbers for a midfielder if he goes. Hopefully, he doesn’t because he’s a massive part of what Villa do moving forward. It would have to be a big number to get him out.”
Luiz has started in all 12 of the Villans’ Premier League games this season as they remarkably sit just three points off league leaders Manchester City ahead of the match against Tottenham on Sunday (26 November).
He is clearly looking to be more involved offensively during this campaign after registering 1.7 shots per game compared to the 0.9 he averaged last year, with his goal conversion rate rising from 18 per cent to 25 per cent [SofaScore].
The Brazilian has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.49 in the opening few months of the season, having taken 76.6 touches per outing as he looks to get on the ball and make things happen.
He has made 1.2 key passes and recorded a pass success rate of 88 per cent, while his impressive 92 per cent total from balls played in his own half shows that he doesn’t give too much away in potentially dangerous areas.
The midfielder is averaging 0.4 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and has won the ball back on six occasions each time he has taken to the field.
He’s also been successful with 62 per cent of his dribbles as he looks to carry the ball up the pitch, while he’s won 60 per cent of the duels he’s been involved in to show he’s not just a creative force in the side.
Luiz is a player that has been reinvented since Unai Emery arrived at Villa Park and his importance to the team has now made it inconceivable that they would let him go.
It’s extremely positive news for the club that it looks like a move to Arsenal won’t be on the cards as the last thing they need is an important player to leave in January to potentially derail what could turn out to be a very special season for them.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared a “massive” admission after a Villa player development has emerged.