Arsenal made three deadline day bids for Douglas Luiz, but Aston Villa turned them all down because they wanted a stupid fee for a player who is out of contract in nine months.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Phil Foden of Manchester City battles for possession with Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on September 03, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Phil Foden of Manchester City battles for possession with Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on September 03, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Arsenal placed three bids on September 1 as they tried to replaced their crocked midfield.

A bid of £20m was turned down before Arsenal returned with improved offers of £23m and, finally, £25m.

None of those were good enough for Aston Villa who said they were not inclined to sell, despite bringing in another defensive midfielder, leaving them with four in their squad.

Villa purchased Luiz from Manchester City in 2019 for £15.12m. That deal includes a 20% sell-on fee so, 20% of anything Villa get will go to the Etihad.

I guess Villa would rather pay 20% of nothing than give up 20% of £20m (£5m).

In order to make a profit, Villa were reportedly demanding £40m for a player valued at £34m but who will be worth nothing by the time he turns 25 in May.

That would have meant paying City £10m while they doubled their money.

So, instead of recouping their money, Villa made the decision to lose everything.

Smart, eh?