£60m Arteta target told he’ll have to force a move to join Arsenal in January

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Douglas Luiz will have to take matters into his own hands if he wants to join Arsenal.

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz will “have to agitate for a transfer” if he wants to make a switch to Arsenal in January.

Aston Villa are extremely reluctant to part with the Brazilian midfielder. On top of that, given they spent so heavily in the recent summer transfer window, the Gunners are not in a position to test the Midlands outfit’s resolve with a huge bid. As such, if Luiz seriously wants to join the north London club, he will have to force a move.

As reported by TeamTalk, Aston Villa have put a £60 million price tag on Luiz.

Unless Arsenal are able to sell a number of first team stars, they will not be able to splash significant cash on any of their winter targets.

Odds against Arsenal signing Douglas Luiz in January 

It would be a high-risk strategy for Luiz to try to force a move to Arsenal. He could publicly state his desire to leave the club, or even go as far as going on strike, which seems unlikely. The 25-year-old is a fan favourite at Villa Park and would be unwise to destroy his relationship with the supporters.

Given all these factors, it is hard to see Arsenal getting a deal for Luiz over the line in January. What’s more, there are other areas of the squad in more pressing need of reinforcements. A top class striker is surely higher up on Mikel Arteta’s shopping list than another midfielder. The Gunners already have Declan Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Mohamed Elneny competing for minutes in the middle of the park.

It is far more likely that Arsenal will make a concerted effort to sign Luiz in the summer, when Aston Villa will perhaps be more open to sanctioning his departure.