Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has snubbed a potential switch to Arsenal in January by signing a new contract extension with the Villans on Friday. The Brazilian put pen to paper on a deal that lasts until 2026, claiming he is happy to stay at Villa Park for the long-term.
It comes after the 24-year-old was subject of a number of late bids from the Gunners on transfer deadline back in the summer window, but all three approaches were rejected by Steven Gerrard's side. It left Mikel Arteta without a new midfielder in his ranks following some key injuries.
When asked about a move for Luiz, the Spaniard said: "The club has done a phenomenal job and put everything on the table to try to bring the players and the profiles we wanted. We did business pretty early but unfortunately in the last 72 hours, Thomas [Partey] got injured in the same place he got injured last time and then Mo [Mohamed Elneny] has a long-term injury and we had to react in the market."
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With Luiz's contract expiring in the following summer, it could have opened up the potential for another attempt to sign him when the window opens in January. However, the announcement of his new contract will come as a huge blow to the Gunners and means attention may have to turn to other targets.
Explaining the reason for his new deal and the snub to Arsenal, he told Villa TV: "I'm so happy. Yesterday I say I'm so happy in this club. I love the people here, the staff, the players, I'm so comfortable here and I'm so happy.
"I love this club, this club opened the door for me to come here to England and play in the Premier League. The club has given me the space and I'm so happy, because I'm staying here and my choice is here."
It remains to be seen who Arteta may turn to when it comes to midfield targets, however the options are now slimmed down after the decision from Luiz.
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