Unai Emery sends transfer warning to Arsenal before name-dropping Chelsea and Newcastle United

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has sent a warning to Arsenal amid interest in star midfielder Douglas Luiz, while Newcastle United and Chelsea were two of seven clubs name-dropped in a shock Champions League admission on Sunday afternoon. Speaking after the Villans' 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, Emery was very open and honest with the media when asked about both transfer speculation and his ambitions for the rest of the season.

It was a delightful trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the men in claret and blue as Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins netted to earn all three points. Luiz wasn't able to dictate proceedings as much as he usually does but he still found a way to impress, breaking up the play throughout and then notching the assist for Pau's header.

Emery was directly asked about Arsenal's rumoured interest in the midfielder and his answer was direct. "Douglas is playing very good and he improves a lot. His commitment is amazing. I am very happy with him and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us, his commitment with his national team and his performances like today are amazing, fantastic. I want him," Emery said.

Arsenal or any other side keen on signing Luiz would probably be wasting their time – at least in January – as Villa are very clear with their 'not for sale' stance. Emery shares the view of the club in that respect as he believes Luiz is one of the most vital players in his squad. It would also be incredibly difficult to find anyone of a similar quality to come in and replace him if he went, especially at a time Villa are challenging for the top four.

Emery name-drops Newcastle & Chelsea

On the note of European hopes, Emery has asserted Villa must be realistic and not see themselves as favourites to finish in the top seven, let alone the Champions League positions. "I think there are seven teams more contenders than us to be in the top seven positions," Emery said.

"When we are there of course we are going to enjoy and try to keep it but they are the seven. They are Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle. I am not going to change what I'm saying about that," Emery continued.

The Spaniard was asked whether he was absolutely sure on that point, particularly as Chelsea are off the pace, and he immediately said he was. Onlookers may be surprised at that but Emery has maintained this view ever since the start of the season due to the squad strengths and budgets of the seven teams he mentions.