Arsenal may be in the market for a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, and are now seemingly eyeing up Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.
The Gunners made multiple bids for the Brazilian a year ago, which were instantly rejected by Villa, and the 25-year-old would go on to sign a new contract.
Luiz has exploded under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, with five goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season, and could be targeted by Mikel Arteta again.
Thomas Partey may depart in the January transfer window, and Luiz may be seen as an option with Premier League experience under his belt who can come in and replace him.
Arsenal are interested in Douglas Luiz
A report from Brazilian outlet UOL has now claimed that Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, are “eyeing up” Douglas Luiz, as well as fellow Brazilian Andre from Fluminense.
Given that Villa rejected offers of around £25m from Arsenal a year ago, with little time remaining on his contract, it could take double the fee to convince Emery to part ways with one of his most important players, and he may be reluctant to lose a key player in the middle of the season.
Arsenal should avoid Douglas Luiz
Given the potential finances involved in any deal for Douglas Luiz, Arsenal would be better off looking elsewhere, and Andre may be a more appealing target given his reported price tag of around £26m.
Whilst Arsenal do need to strengthen in the position, it is unclear whether Luiz’s recent sensational form is sustainable, and given the stylistic differences between Emery and Arteta, there would be an element of risk in signing Luiz for such a huge outlay.
Although he has been excellent this season, Arsenal may be able to find better value than Luiz elsewhere, and with it unlikely that Villa would be willing to sell him to another Premier League side, Arsenal can save themselves a huge headache in what would be a difficult deal to complete.
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