“I’m not in a competition with Arteta but he seems to be with me, he’s signing my second major transfer target…That’s not how football should be”: Pep Guardiola fumes at Arsenal as they agrees personal terms to sign his second major transfer target.
### Guardiola Criticizes Arsenal Over Transfer Target Pursuit
Pep Guardiola has expressed frustration, claiming he is not in competition with Mikel Arteta, although it seems Arteta is competing with him by targeting his major transfer prospects. Guardiola’s comments come as Arsenal reportedly agree on personal terms to sign his second major transfer target. According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are now open to selling Douglas Luiz, catching the attention of both Arsenal and Juventus.
### Aston Villa’s Transfer Moves
Aston Villa’s decision to consider offers for Luiz stems from their desire to alleviate financial concerns and potentially fund new acquisitions. In particular, the club is eyeing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, who could cost up to £50 million. This situation has also made them open to offers for Colombian forward Jhon Duran and academy graduate Jacob Ramsey as they look to raise funds.
### Ross Barkley’s Inexpensive Move
Ross Barkley is set to join Villa from recently relegated Luton Town for around £5 million. This low-cost transfer is seen as a smart move by Villa, with Unai Emery having admired Barkley for several years. Barkley’s bargain price made him an irresistible option for Villa, especially in light of their other financial ambitions.
### The Luiz Dilemma
However, to secure Gallagher and other targets, Villa might need to sell a player of Luiz’s caliber. Luiz is one of the club’s standout players, but his performance dipped in the latter half of the recent season. This has put Villa in a tricky position, balancing the need to strengthen their squad with the necessity of potentially losing one of their best players.
### Luiz’s Commitment to Villa
Douglas Luiz himself could complicate Villa’s plans for a lucrative sale. The 26-year-old has publicly expressed his commitment to Aston Villa, emphasizing his desire to succeed with the club. In an interview with Sky Sports in December, Luiz stated, “I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa. My focus is totally here. I don’t spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don’t focus on that and I’m not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa. It is a club that opened its doors to me when I came to England, so I have a lot of affection and a lot of love for it.”
Luiz highlighted his five-year tenure at the club, his responsibilities as one of the team captains, and his deep connection to Villa. “I have been here for five years, so I have a big responsibility in our team now. I am one of our captains and that drives me a lot. I know the player I am, and I know the player I can become,” he said.
### The Path Ahead
As the transfer window progresses, Villa will need to navigate these complex dynamics, balancing player sales with squad improvements. For Arsenal, the pursuit of Douglas Luiz represents a significant opportunity to strengthen their midfield, although it has sparked tension with Guardiola. Juventus’s interest adds another layer of competition for the Brazilian midfielder’s signature.
The unfolding transfer scenarios highlight the intricate strategies clubs must employ to balance their rosters and financial health while pursuing their ambitions. Whether Luiz stays at Villa or moves to a new club, his decision will have substantial implications for all parties involved.