MY ACCOUNT
Steven Gerrard has backed Aston Villa’s decision not to sell Douglas Luiz to Arsenal on deadline day and does not foresee the failed transfer being an issue for the Brazil international.
Arsenal were widely reported to have made a move for Douglas Luiz on Thursday due to injury problems in their midfield.
It was claimed Villa were firmly opposed to a sale at a price Arsenal were willing to go to, though.
A bid of around £20million was said to be lodged, but Villa were instead holding out for £40m for a player in the final year of his contract.
Even with Gerrard’s men bringing in fellow midfielder Leander Dendoncker from Wolves, no deal could be done, perhaps leaving Douglas Luiz a little disappointed.
“Knowing the boy and the player, I doubt it [will be an issue],” Gerrard said ahead of Saturday’s game against Manchester City.
“I’ve got confidence he’ll understand the situation and the club’s decision, that we didn’t want to lose a very important player and a top player so late in the window.
“From a personal point of view, I very much back the club’s decision and stance on that.
“I spoke to Dougie face to face yesterday – he understood where it was at and the position that the club was in. He very much respects the decision.
“Hopefully it’ll calm down in the hours and days coming and he’ll be fine moving forward.”
