Edu now warned January transfer for key Arsenal target will be ‘near impossible’

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Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, but a January deal looks almost impossible now.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have had the Brazilian on their radar for a while, having failed with bids for him on deadline day in the summer of 2022, but reports in the last month indicated that the 25-year-old is Arsenal’s top target for the winter window.

Luiz has been impressive for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, helping them to third place in the Premier League, and he has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.

With Arsenal seeking extra midfield cover amidst Thomas Partey’s injury problems, Luiz was seen as a top candidate, but Arteta will have to look elsewhere.

Arsenal deal for Douglas Luiz ‘impossible’

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that there is little chance that Luiz ends up at the Emirates during the January transfer window.

“Aston Villa are flying so it’s going to be really difficult for Arsenal. There’s no doubt the admiration is there for Luiz and it’s long-standing, Arsenal have made no secret of that,” he stated.

“But January is going to be extremely tough, and potentially even near impossible. And Luiz is happy with the Aston Villa project, he’s enjoying playing under Emery, and at the moment, he’s got no reason to leave for Arsenal to go and get Champions League football.

“The second half of the season, he could play in the back end of the tournament, because the rules allow you to do that as a new signing, but that would be a short-term fix.”

Who could Arsenal target instead?

Recent reports have indicated that Arsenal are considering a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha instead, and this could be a good move at the right price.

Arsenal may also target a defender and a striker in the January window, which could mean the budget for a midfielder is limited.

With Kai Havertz now finding some form, Arteta may feel his midfield options are strong enough, but extra depth will be needed as Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are currently injured.

Arsenal collapsed in the title race last season as a result of their poor depth, and Arteta will be eager to avoid that mistake again, with the Gunners currently top of the league.

Arteta’s side face Liverpool on Saturday, and this game will determine who goes into Christmas top of the pile. If Arsenal can secure at least a point, and go into the January window still top, this may drive up the desire for extra quality depth in midfield.