Aston Villa: Purslow has 'big decision' over £25m star at Villa Park

Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has a ‘big decision’ to make over Douglas Luiz’s Villa Park future and may opt to cash-in when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

The Midlands giants managed to hold onto the nine-cap Brazil international despite extensive interest up until the deadline earlier this month, but doubts remain over Luiz’s plans.

Luiz has entered the final 12 months of his £52,000-per-week contract at Villa, leading to uncertainty over where his long-term future lies.

It is understood that the defensive midfielder has no intention of negotiating fresh terms with his current employers and wants to leave as a free agent next summer.

Arsenal had three bids worth up to £25million rejected by Villa on deadline day earlier this month, while Luiz reportedly wanted to seal a switch away from the West Midlands.

Although the transfer window will not reopen until the turn of the year, Chelsea are the latest club to have shown an interest in the 24-year-old.

Atletico Madrid, who Luiz could sign a pre-contract with when he enters the final six months of his Villa agreement, and Liverpool are also admirers.

Preece believes Villa could look to take advantage of their final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for Luiz when the transfer window reopens in January.

The journalist understands that Purslow has to think about the Midlands club’s best interests despite the South American making a positive impact following his arrival from Manchester City in 2019.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “Villa will be tempted to cash-in. He has been a bit of a decent servant for three years and it was a good deal with Manchester City.

“He was crucial in Villa staying up in