Why Douglas Luiz’s transfer to Arsenal from Aston Villa collapsed

Arsenal were keen to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa on transfer deadline day, but talks broke down over a disagreement on price and a clause in his contract.

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The 24-year-old had been identified as a target by boss Mikel Arteta, who was thought to be keen on strengthening his midfield after injury to Thomas Partey.

Arteta’s side saw three bits rejected for Brazil international Luiz – offering £23m and then an improved £25m after their opening bid of £20 was turned down – with Villa slapping a £40m price tag on him, which the Gunners felt was too high.

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 people involved in the negotiations are a little bit bemused because they were led to believe towards the end of last week that Villa would listen to offers of around £20m for Luiz.

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