Steven Gerrard claims Douglas Luiz understands Aston Villa stance after explaining why Arsenal lost out
Douglas Luiz understands why Aston Villa refused to sell him to Arsenal on deadline day, according to manager Steven Gerrard.
Luiz was the subject of several offers from Arsenal before the transfer window closed on Thursday. Sensing an opportunity due to him being in the final year of his contract, the Gunners reportedly submitted three separate bids.
However, Aston Villa held firm and rejected each one. The last was reportedly worth in the region of £25million.
It means they now risk losing the Brazil international for free next year, unless they can talk him into a contract renewal. It was claimed on deadline day, though, that he was interested in leaving the club.
Therefore, they will be hoping they haven’t disappointed him too much that it might affect his performance levels over the next few months.
However, after explaining why Aston Villa made the decision they did, Gerrard has confirmed he believes Luiz understands after holding talks with him on Thursday.
Gerrard said: “I’ve got confidence he’ll understand the situation and the club’s decision. We didn’t want to lose a very important player and a top player so late in the window.
“From a personal point of view, I very much back the club’s decision and stance on that. I spoke to Dougie face-to-face yesterday and he understood where it was at and the position that the club was in.”
Long-term Douglas Luiz future remains unclear
Douglas Luiz has been with Aston Villa since 2019, when they signed him from Manchester City. He has made 116 appearances since then, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
So far this season, he has scored twice from five appearances between the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
New competition has arrived for his place this summer with the signings of Boubacar Kamara and Leander Dendoncker. However, he will be hoping to retain a role of prominence, even if this could be his last season with the club.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will revive their interest in the new year. A player of Luiz’s qualities will likely have plenty of suitors still monitoring his performances.
Steven Gerrard welcomes new Aston Villa pair
Elsewhere in his press conference, Gerrard reflected on the deadline-day arrivals of Dendoncker and defender Jan Bednarek.
The manager said: “Both players bring vital Premier League and international experience. They bring profile and stature.
“Jan has come to challenge himself; it’s a fresh start for him.
“We need his aggression, his profile and his defensive capabilities.”
Gerrard was speaking ahead of Aston Villa’s match against Manchester City, which will take place on Saturday evening.
READ MORE: Jan Bednarek has dig at Southampton after revealing delight at joining ‘bigger club’ Aston Villa
