A £15m payment to City from Villa meant that he was subsequently able to successfully apply for a work permit.
According to The Athletic, Guardiola was so desperate to keep Luiz at the Etihad Stadium that he sent videos of the midfielder’s performances to the Home Office.
The point of the exercise was to convince the authorities that Luiz was capable of being a success and should therefore be granted special dispensation. Guardiola’s unorthodox move ultimately failed.
Over the past four years, Luiz has been among the Villans’ greatest players. With Brazil 2019, he at last made his senior debut. He has already played 11 games for the South American team.
Arsenal is one of the teams interested in signing Luiz, but they may have to pay a potential £100 million price tag, according to the Daily Mail. The Gunners’ failed attempt to acquire Declan Rice of Arsenal and Moises Caicedo of
Chelsea for £25 million in the summer of 2022, leading Villa to feel that their valuation is supported by recent deals that have topped £100 million.
Villa boss Unai Emery is desperate to keep Luiz beyond the January transfer window.
The Spaniard said earlier this month: “He’s playing very good. He’s improved a lot, his commitment is amazing
Of course, I want to keep him because I am so happy with him. I believe he is content with us.
He is making his debut for his country’s squad. And he gave an incredible performance today. I desire him.
Regarding his own future, Luiz played down a departure in the winter window, saying, “I am very happy to
hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa.” This is where my entire attention is focused.
“I don’t look at the stories for very long. I see them, but I don’t pay much attention to them or check them frequently.
I’m thinking here, at Aston Villa.
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