Aston Villa: Douglas Luiz exit verdict emerges in new Villa Park prediction
Aston Villa will not want to get rid of midfielder Douglas Luiz, particularly not to one of their Premier League rivals.
That is according to former Villa Park scout Bryan King, who believes the club are going to be in Europe once more next year, and therefore must keep hold of Luiz.
The Brazilian star, who has registered 10 goals and eight assists this season, has been linked with a switch to Arsenal in recent times.
Speaking to Villa News, King said: “I couldn’t see any reason why they would want to get rid of him. If they’re going to be playing in Europe again next year – and there’s a good possibility of that, they’re going to finish high – I just can’t see the story of selling your best players if you’re looking to build your football club and improve on the season.
“Now to improve on this season, the way they are at the moment, they’ve really got to go out and strengthen their team, so why weaken it? Or weaken the squad? There seems no point in that.
“It won’t be him to decide if he goes, it will be Aston Villa. Why would they want to replace a player who has proved that he improves your team anyway?
“If you are going to improve that team, you’re going to build it around the 15 or 16 players that you’ve already got, whether it be young players or, if Emery feels as though he needs to strengthen in certain positions, then maybe they might consider, but why would you sell to one of your rivals as such? Because there is nobody abroad that could afford him.”
Aston Villa must fend off Arsenal interest in Douglas Luiz
Luiz will undoubtedly be flattered by the interest from Arsenal, particularly given how strong the Gunners have been in recent times.
But that interest is definitely unsurprising given how good the midfielder has been over the last few years.
The 25-year-old is enjoying another stunning season at Villa Park, with Unai Emery undoubtedly taking him to another level.
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