Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has penned a new long-term contract at the Premier League club.
Since leaving Manchester City for the West Midlands in July 2019, Luiz has been regarded as a first-team player under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.
In total, the 24-year-old has made 95 starts and 16 substitute appearances in the Premier League, scoring a total of six goals.
However, during the closing hours of the summer transfer window, Arsenal made numerous attempts to sign the Brazil international, aware that his deal at Villa was due to expire at the end of 2022-23.
Despite the risk of losing one of their most prized assets on a free transfer, the Villa hierarchy ultimately rejected the opportunity to cash in on Luiz for a fee in excess of £25m.
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Villa have now been rewarded for their stance, announcing on Friday afternoon that they have agreed fresh terms with the player.
Speaking to the club's official website, Luiz said: "I'm so happy. I'm so happy in this club and I love this club. I love the people here, the staff and the players. I'm so comfortable here and I'm so happy.
"I love this club. This club opened the door for me when I came to England to play in the Premier League. I'm so happy because I'm staying here and my choice is here."
While Villa have not disclosed the length of the contract, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the deal will last until 2026.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Villa officials moved to negotiate a new contract with Luiz immediately after the summer transfer window.
Luiz has made a total of four starts and four substitute outings in the top flight this campaign and will likely remain in the side for the foreseeable future due to the long-term injury of Boubacar Kamara.
Darren Plant
