How Man City inadvertently played role in Douglas Luiz Arsenal deal collapse

Arsenal fans were left disappointed on deadline day as their beloved club failed to secure the services of Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz.

In complete contrast to the beginning of the 2021/22 season, where they lost each of their opening three games, the Gunners have had an exceptional start to the season. After the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on Champions League football, Mikel Arteta‘s men have licked their wounds and bounced back with a vengeance.

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They have won every single game so far, and don’t look like slowing down anytime soon. On Wednesday, they hosted Aston Villa. Goals from Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli sent the Emirates crowd home happy. However, Arteta will want his side to work on their defence from corners, as Luiz’s set piece made it past every man and into the back of the net.

The 24-year-old’s performance impressed the Arsenal manager, who consequently looked to add him to his side.

Arsenal failed to secure Douglas Luiz

Despite the London club’s terrific start to the campaign, the gaffer still felt he needed to improve their depth in midfield. Thus he made his move for Luiz. However, the Gunners reportedly had three bids of £20m, £23m and £25m, all turned down by Villa, who valued the player at £40m. However, Arsenal didn’t want to depart with that much money.

According to Birmingham Live, the move was complicated as Manchester City were also guaranteed to receive 20% of any sale over £15m for their old playmaker due to a clause in his contract. Therefore, if the Brazilian had joined Arsenal for any of the three values that the Gunners put forward, the Villans would have had to give City a percentage of the fee.

As per Metro, Luiz wanted the move. But for now, he’ll have to settle for life at Villa Park.

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