Steven Gerrard addresses Douglas Luiz transfer situation amid deadline day interest from Arsenal and reveals talks with Aston Villa midfielder

Steven Gerrard is confident that Douglas Luiz hasn’t had his head turned following Arsenal’s push to sign him in the summer transfer window.

The Aston Villa midfielder has less than a year remaining on his contract, leading to late summer interest from both Liverpool and the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side made three deadline day offers for the 24-year-old, the latest of which being worth £25million, however Villa took the decision to reject all three offers in order to keep their star midfielder.

With the Brazilian now confirmed to be staying at Villa Park until January at least, the Premier League club could be left with an unhappy player in the coming months.

But according to Gerrard, there are no concerns about Luiz’s professionalism.

Speaking about the situation, Gerrard said: “I have confidence that he’ll understand the situation and the club’s decision that we didn’t want to lose a very important player and a top player so late in the window.

“From a personal point of view I very much back the club’s decision and stance on that.

“I spoke to Dougie yesterday on that and he understood where it was at and the position that the club was in and very much respects the decision.

“Hopefully it’ll calm down in the hours and days coming and he’ll be fine moving forward.”