Jamie Carragher explains why Arsenal star has been better than £60m Arteta target

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Arsenal have been linked with an unlikely January move for Douglas Luiz, who has been outstanding for Aston Villa this season.

The Brazilian has been excellent for Unai Emery’s side, who now sit above Arsenal in the Premier League table.

Arsenal seemingly want Luiz given Thomas Partey’s injury issues, but a deal looks difficult as Aston Villa are unlikely to be willing to let a key player leave, and a previously estimated £60m price tag now appears to be too low.

However, Arsenal have a midfielder within their ranks who has been even better than Luiz this season in Declan Rice.

Jamie Carragher claims Declan Rice has outperformed Douglas Luiz

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher selected Rice over Luiz in his Premier League team of the season so far, and has now explained why he prefers the Englishman to the Villa star.

“I was only picking one from Luiz, Rodri or Rice,” he posted on X in response to a fan who questioned the absence of Luiz from his selected team.

“I went for Rice because of a couple of late winners which were vital. And joining a new club for a massive fee & playing like he had been there a long time.”

Has Declan Rice been better than Douglas Luiz?

Until the last two games where Arsenal fell to disappointing defeats, Rice has been sensational for Arsenal since his arrival in the summer.

Unlike some of Mikel Arteta’s other signings, Rice settled instantly, quickly becoming one of the club’s best performers, and has arguably been the most consistent player in the squad this season.

Rice has brought physicality to the middle of the park, whilst also chipping in with crucial goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Luton.

Luiz has had better output in front of goal, with six goals and three assists this season, but four of his strikes have been penalties.

Rice has been compared to Roy Keane, and was also praised for his performance away at Liverpool, as he was a standout performer at one of the hardest grounds for Arsenal to go to.

Arsenal have suffered creative issues this season, but have been defensively strong and Rice has been key to that.

Luiz would be bought with the intention of playing alongside Rice rather than instead of him, and whilst he has been excellent for Villa, Carragher’s point about Rice adapting to a new team instantly puts him ahead when comparing both their respective campaigns.