There is no other player in the Aston Villa squad that divides opinion amongst the masses quite like Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian has racked up 86 Premier League appearances since his £15million arrival from Man City back in 2019 - the second-most in the current Villa squad behind captain Tyrone Mings (88).
As reported today, BirminghamLive spoke to Steven Gerrard about Douglas Luiz's future, with the boss confirming that there's been no new deal in the offing despite just 17 months remaining on his current contract.
Villa have previously moved quickly to tie down the futures of Emi Martinez (2027), Ezri Konsa (2026), John McGinn (2025), Matt Targett (2025), Jacob Ramsey (2025) and, last week, Kortney Hause (2025).
However, with Arsenal expressing their interest in Douglas Luiz once again and, with the midfielder's future looking uncertain amid Villa's pursuit of Rodrigo Bentancur, what next for the Olympic gold medal winner?
In today's Claret & Blue: An Aston Villa Podcast, host Dan Rolinson asked a simple question: Douglas Luiz, what will happen if and when Villa sign a new midfielder? He's often linked with a move away. At first it was the buy-back clause with Man City - now it's Arsenal for £25million-30million... What will happen?
Villa writers Ashley Preece ( AP ) and John Townley ( JT ) got stuck into the "Dougie Debate"...
AP: "He's an enigma, isn't he? He divides opinion. He floats through games. He's clearly got ability. He's still only 23 and has been around the block being at Vasco, Man City, Girona in La Liga, Brazil, Villa...
"I just don't know if he's serious enough to really kick on and become a great, if you like, something Steven Gerrard obsessed over.
"He just coasts through games and it's as if he finds it a little bit easy. I think Gerrard wants a bit more from him and to boss games now and to really take it to the opposition.
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"He plays it nicely, rarely loses the ball, good in possession but I think Gerrard wants that little bit more to force the issue as opposed to waiting for an issue to come.
"It's a really interesting one and one that will rumble on. There's 17 months left on his contract. He's 23 and Gerrard has said he wants a big squad next season to compete on three fronts and, having Douglas around, is a no-brainer for me.
"But, like you say, if there's a chance to cash in there are going to be suitors there from Italy, Arsenal and others. Villa bought him for £15million... There's a bit of profit to be made on that.
"We'll find out for sure this summer if Villa really want to keep him knowing he'll have 12 months left on his deal. I can't see him going in this window.
"Gerrard could have said he wants Douglas to stay and be a part of his project but he didn't last week so it's interesting.
"Both Morgan Sanson and Douglas Luiz, two similar players, have it all to prove to Gerrard from now until May. They've got to kick on."
JT: "I think whatever decision is made now it's a business decision. I don't know if he has been offered a contract but he hasn't signed a new one since he came to the club.
"He's not the type of player who'll stick around for another couple of years because he's already been here approaching three years now.
"One thing is for certain is that if he is getting linked to an Arsenal or a Roma, we know he's a quality player so comments saying he isn't good enough and we need to cash in... I disagree.
"He is a good player and he can certainly offer plenty to the squad and Gerrard knows he can.
"I do agree, though, that he can do so much more. He hardly breaks a sprint sometimes or utilises his physicality like he probably can.
"I think it's too late now to sanction something in this window but, maybe this summer, we'll see where the ground lies.
"If you get Bentancur in and Marvelous Nakamba back fit, they are two players you can use in a No.6 and, obviously, we're interested in Yves Bissouma too so there's no smoke without fire.
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"I just can't see Douglas sitting around for many more years and I don't think we'll be letting him leave on a free, either.
"It's going to divide opinion from now until the summer, that's for sure.
"Gerrard has also said he doesn't want to block pathways for younger players and, with Carney Chukwuemeka, you can see how he's signalling him out for praise. Jacob Ramsey's on another level now as well."
