Aston Villa must RESCUE underrated star from Premier League relegation battle

Cameron Smith

• 19 Feb 2024 10:50 GMT
• 4 min read

Douglas Luiz appears set to stay at Aston Villa as things stand, but the Brazilian remains a key transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Brazil international has been one of the Premier League’s best midfielders so far this season and his form has attracted significant transfer interest, most notably from Arsenal and Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Gunners were interested in pursuing a deal for Luiz in January, but Villa’s eye-watering €128 million asking price saw them decide against a mid-season offer, as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers.

Luiz, 25, has seven goals and four assists in 25 league matches so far this campaign and he is set to be on Arsenal’s radar this summer; Arteta’s side are in the market for another central midfielder amid doubts over Thomas Partey’s future and Luiz is their number one target.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal are willing to match Villa’s asking price, but Luiz could potentially be on his way out this summer.

If Unai Emery does lose the Brazilian at the end of the 2023-24 season, he should consider a move to Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer.

A swap deal with Arsenal for Albert Sambi Lokonga would also be a smart idea, especially considering his performance against Manchester United, but signing Hamer would be an astute move from Villa.

Why Aston Villa should sign Gustavo Hamer

Hamer, 26, joined Sheffield United from Coventry City for €17.3m last summer after a stellar stint at the Championship club.

The Dutch midfielder was Coventry’s most important player alongside Viktor Gyokeres, now of Sporting CP fame, last season and he played an instrumental role in their run to the play-off final.

Hamer scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists from central midfield in his final Championship season for Coventry, and has continued that form in the Premier League.

Despite Sheffield United’s struggles, their midfield three of Hamer, James McAtee and Vinicius Souza has performed admirably. McAtee has received plenty of plaudits due to his history at Manchester City, but Hamer has snuck quietly under the radar.

The Dutchman has two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, and Ollie McBurnie is the only Sheffield United player with more goal contributions in 2023-24, despite the fact he plays in central midfield.

Hamer hasn’t been able to display his ability on the ball on many occasions this campaign due to the lack of possession Sheffield United have enjoyed, but he has thrived amid their struggles.

His long-distance shooting is impressive, he is comfortable under pressure and is a bundle of energy in midfield.

Chris Wilder’s side have endured a torrid campaign so far, but Hamer’s ability is clear for all to see - he is simply too good for a relegation battle in the English top flight.

If Sheffield United are relegated this season, then several Premier League teams should be all over Hamer and Aston Villa are one of them, especially if Luiz departs for Arsenal.