Unai Emery has reaffirmed reports that Aston Villa don’t want to sell Douglas Luiz in January, amid strong interest from Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Douglas Luiz remains on top of Arsenal’s list of potential midfield targets, but Aston Villa have no plans to sell him in January.

Speaking at the weekend, Unai Emery was clear that he’s hoping to keep the Brazilian international.

“Douglas is playing very good and his commitment is amazing,” Emery said. “I want him here.

“I am very happy with him and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us too.”

John Percy of The Telegraph recently reported that Arsenal are expected to advance their interest in Luiz in the January transfer window, but Villa regard him as not for sale.

Villa see Luiz as fundamental to their objectives this season, so an Arsenal transfer would appear improbable.

The Evening Standard wrote last Monday that Arsenal would face a fight to sign Luiz, with Villa determined to keep hold of him.

The Gunners are reportedly in the market for a midfielder in the winter window, but the Standard believe Arsenal will find it hard to convince Villa to sell.

After Arsenal’s failed bids to sign Luiz on the summer deadline day of 2022, the player extended his contract with Aston Villa. He’s now on big money with a long-term deal, further complicating a potential transfer.

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar remains a fan of the 25-year-old, but a January deal appears to be off the table.