Fabrizio Romano issues mixed Aston Villa and Arsenal update amid £50m transfer claim

Douglas Luiz has yet again been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after it emerged Villa must raise significant funds this month to avoid reprimand from the Premier League.

The Villans are walking a fine line with the division’s strict profit and sustainability rules, meaning they must sell before they can even think of making big-money signings. Luiz is expected to be sacrificed for a profit despite being one of the best players as Unai Emery’s side soared to the Champions League.

Italian Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan have expressed an interest in signing Luiz but Arsenal could yet enter the fray. Romano has provided an update on the situation, explaining the Gunners’ continued admiration but admitting the lack of current activity.

“Another player to watch could be Douglas Luiz because Aston Villa are under pressure financially to sell one player in the next weeks,” Romano said in a recent YouTube video. “There is interest in Luiz from Juventus [but] Juve’s top target is [Teun] Koopmeiners.

“Luiz would have to be an opportunity perhaps with a swap deal, while clubs from the Premier League will also move. Luiz has always been appreciated by Arsenal and he was close to joining them two years ago, so let’s see if they decide to return or not.

“Though, at the moment, they are not actively working on this one. Still, Luiz looks like one to watch for Juve, Arsenal, and maybe other clubs too because for Villa, the Brazilian midfielder could be one to watch in terms of possible outgoings,” Romano continued.

Douglas Luiz may have to contradict himself

If Luiz is to move on this summer, he may have to contradict his own words, albeit being pushed into doing so. The Brazilian said in December that he was fully committed to Villa despite interest from elsewhere.

“I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa. My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories,” Luiz, who has been handed a £50 million price tag, told Sky Sports.

“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. It 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.

"I have been here for five years, so I have a big responsibility in our team now. I am one of our captains and that drives me a lot. I know the player I am, and I know the player I can become,” he said.