Latest Aston Villa news from Birmingham Live as Arsenal remains long-term admirers of Douglas Luiz but midfield star has other things on his mind.
Douglas Luiz has insisted his focus is on Aston Villa, despite transfer interest from a number of clubs, including Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The 25-year-old’s future continues to be up for debate after he was subject of three deadline-day bids from the Gunners in the summer of 2022.
And despite signing a new long-term deal with Villa, Luiz remains on the radar of some big-name rivals.
Luiz choses Aston Villa than Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the Brazilian having previously coached him at Manchester City.
The Gunners are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder come January and Luiz is said to feature at the top of the list.
Although he welcomes the recognition, Luiz insists he is not getting distracted by the transfer talk.
“I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa,” he told Sky Sports.
“My focus is totally here. I don’t spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don’t focus on that and I’m not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa.”
Luiz is in his fifth season at Villa having arrived from City in 2019, and the Brazilian admitted he hugely grateful for the opportunities Villa had given him. He explained:
“Aston Villa is a club that opened its doors to me when I came to England, so I have a lot of affection and a lot of love for it.”
‘Unai, honestly, is an incredible manager. Since he arrived here, he has changed the history of the club. Aston Villa is a very big club in England, but things weren’t going so well. Unai has changed it. Now, people respect the club and the players more.
‘I believe I am in the best moment of my career. The manager demands a lot from me and I believe he has helped me a lot as well. I am happier than ever to keep working and continue evolving.’
