By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

29th Oct, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Aston Villa ready to open Luiz talks in January after source's Arsenal reveal

Aston Villa are preparing to open contract talks with midfielder Douglas Luiz in the new year after his stellar early-season form, sources have told Football Insider.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and have tried to sign him on multiple occasions.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (27 October) that Arsenal are likely to continue to keep tabs on Luiz in the build-up to 2024’s summer window.

But Aston Villa are ready to head that interest off by opening talks over a potential new contract – with his current deal set to expire in June 2026.

Luiz is now considered a key man at Villa Park by manager Unai Emery and could be set to land a big renewal with discussions potentially set to open as early as January.

The Midlands giants have already wrapped up new contracts for the likes of Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and John McGinn in recent months.

Aston Villa are desperate to keep Luiz at the club and are under no pressure to sell as they are financially strong and well-backed by co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

The ex-Man City star has started each of their nine Premier League games so far this season, notching five top-flight goals.

He has also featured in the Europa Conference League and League Cup this term, scoring once in the former.

Luiz earned his ninth Brazil cap in the loss against Uruguay last week and will be eyeing a place in the Selecao squad for next year’s Copa America.

Aston Villa are fifth in the Premier League and are next in action against Luton on Sunday (29 October).

The Midlands giants moved top of their Europa Conference League group on Thursday (26 October) with a comprehensive 4-1 win over AZ Alkmaar.

In other news, winger to be offered new Aston Villa deal on one condition.