Steven Gerrard calls Douglas Luiz transfer status amid Arsenal interest a ‘touchy situation’

Steven Gerrard expects speculation around Douglas Luiz’ future to continue throughout the season, with Arsenal strong suitors for the Brazilian midfielder who has less than 12 months left on his deal at Villa Park.

The Villa boss understood that his player is highly sought after, admitting that the interest in his services comes as no surprise after several strong performances at the start of a season in which he has already been subject of a transfer bid. 

Luiz’ strong performances in his 118 games since joining Villa have turned the head of a number of clubs, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who had a bid turned away for the 24-year-old. 

Douglas Luiz (R) is now in  the final year of his contract at Aston Villa after joining in 2019

Gerrard said: ‘Am I surprised by the speculation? No, because we have got a young Brazilian player who is a fantastic talent. 

‘I expect to be asked this question a lot as the season progresses. We want him to stay here. I think the owners were very strong in keeping him here. 

‘We didn’t want to lose him on the final day and he’s performed very well since.’

Luiz has become a key player for Gerrard’s Villa, underpinning the midfield and providing crucial cover for a back three that finds itself under fire increasingly often this season. 

Villa boss Steven Gerrard admitted he was not surprised in the interest in the Brazilian

And the former Liverpool and England midfielder has praised the way in which the 24-year-old has gone about his work since the surely tantalising opportunity presented by the Gunners. 

But with his contract up in June 2023, it can only be a concern that the club has made little progress in tying him down to a longer deal as yet, after the Brazilian rebuffed approaches over summer. 

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are strong suitors for Luiz’ services

Gerrard said of the situation in the summer: ‘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.’

However Gerrard will likely need to deter a renewed approach come the start of the January transfer window, as the Gunners look set to reinforce their midfield.

The durability of Thomas Partey is thought to have become a point of frustration for Arteta, after yet another injury sustained with Ghana on international duty.

And after having a £20million bid rejected over summer, the Luiz’ stock will surely have fallen to an even more affordable price come January, when the club will be faced with the unwanted prospect of potentially losing him for nothing in summer.