Pundit Kevin Campbell has been giving his thoughts on the latest transfer news on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Luiz still keen to leave
Arsenal reportedly made three bids for the Brazilian late in the summer window, with NSWE standing firm and keeping hold of the 24-year-old.
However, Luiz, who is into the final 12 months of his Villa deal, has recently told friends that he wants to move to the Emirates. The Gunners are ‘maintaining a dialogue’ with Luiz’s representatives and have held talks since the window shut.
The Latest: Campbell’s comments
Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Luiz still wanting to join Arsenal.
He described it as a ‘problem for Aston Villa’ and suggested ‘a cut-price deal’ could be on the cards in January.
Thoughts on Luiz?
New contract needed!
Should've sold him!
“Here is the problem for Aston Villa, Luiz wanted to go to Arsenal but the club dug their heels in. The deal did not get done.
“When we get to January, there will only be five months of the season left. Arsenal will not pay £20million to sign a player who is out of contract in a few months. It will be a cut-price deal.
“Villa know that they have got to get themselves in a position come January. You do not sell players when you are struggling in the Premier League.
“There is definitely a deal to be done in January if Villa are willing to play ball. If they are not, Arsenal may look to get him on a free next summer.
“We know how quickly things in football can change. Somebody else might become available. We will have to wait and see.”
The Verdict: Big decision
You can see why Villa decided to keep hold of Luiz late in the window, even after bringing in Leander Dendoncker on deadline day, however, they now find themselves with a key call to make ahead of 2023.
Should Luiz’s situation remain the same, the winter window will be the final time Villa could receive a fee for the central midfielder. Arsenal may come in with another bid but will know he may be a free agent in the summer, so as Campbell mentions, a cut-price transfer could be on the cards.
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