Arsenal ‘pushing to sign’ Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa - here’s the player’s stance

Arsenal are reportedly trying to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz before the transfer window ends this evening (1 September).

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are ‘really trying’ to get the deal over the line, with Luiz said to be keen on making the move to the north London club.

Posting on Twitter, Romano said: “Arsenal are now really trying to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. Not an easy deal at all — but Arsenal trying with agents working on it. Player understood to be keen on the move — up to the clubs.”

What has Gerrard said about Luiz?

Villa manager Steven Gerrard admits he is ‘not in control’ of the situation surrounding Douglas Luiz’s future at Villa Park and concedes that the club may well sell the 24-year-old before the window slams shut.

The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move away from the West Midlands on a number of occasions throughout the summer with Liverpool emerging as strong favourites to land his signature in the last 24 hours.

Luiz, who has just one year left on his contract with Villa, is yet to sign a new deal despite talks having being held for months now.

And whilst Gerrard couldn’t confirm whether or not he would still be donning the claret and blue come 23:00 on September 1, he admitted that those above him will need to do what is best for the club - even if that means letting him go.

“I am not in control of that,” Gerrard stated when asked about the future of Luiz following the defeat to Arsenal.

“We are not in a position where we need to lose our top players but at the same time he has a year to go. It is one of those touchy situations where the club has to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me.”

Luiz scored the equaliser direct from a corner in the 2-1 defeat to the Gunners - the third time the Brazilian has done so this season.

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