The Main Reason Why Douglas Luiz Transfer To Arsenal Collapsed

On the day of the transfer deadline, Arsenal was interested in acquiring Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa, but negotiations stalled over a price point and a clause in his contract.

The 24-year-old was a target for manager Mikel Arteta, who was said to be eager to bolster his midfield following Thomas Partey’s injury.

Three bids from Arteta’s side for Brazilian international Luiz were turned down, with the Gunners feeling that Villa’s £40 million asking price was excessive. They initially offered £20 million, then £23 million, and finally an improved £25 million.

According to local outlet Birmingham Live, Manchester City were also set to receive 20 per cent from any sale over £15m for their former player due to a clause in his contract after he departed the Etihad for Villa Park in 2019.

This, combined with the difference in price, was the reason for talks breaking down, despite Luiz becoming out-of-favour at Villa this season after making it clear that he was keen on leaving the club and the fact that he has just a year left on his current deal.

‘I think people involved in the deal are now ready to throw in the towel,’ Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol said less than two hours before the window closed at 11pm on Thursday.

‘Arsenal were prepared to pay up to £25m for a player who is out of contract in a year, but Aston Villa have been very firm that he is not for sale.

‘Douglas Luiz will not be leaving Aston Villa. That’s what the club have been saying all day – the player is not for sale.

Some of the participants in the discussions are a little confused since they were made to think that Villa would consider bids for Luiz that were in the neighborhood of £20 million around the end of the previous week.

Under Steven Gerrard, “He hadn’t really been starting games, and he’s out of contract in the summer.”

Following Wednesday’s loss to Arsenal, Villa manager Steven Gerrard stated that he would like to keep Luiz because he is a terrific player. I’ve been quite clear about that.