Arsenal remain interested in Aston Villa’s in-form midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to reports. Gunners sporting director Edu is said to be a big fan of the Brazil international ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Arsenal were first linked with a move for Luiz in the summer of 2022. They attempted and failed with three bids late in the window.
Villa turned down offers worth up to £25million and Luiz swiftly signed a new contract just over a month later. He has taken his game to a new level since Unai Emery replaced the sacked Steven Gerrard last October.
He has been one of the standout players at Villa Park so far this season, scoring six goals in all competitions including a brace in Sunday’s win over West Ham. And his performances have again attracted interest from clubs elsewhere.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims many teams are monitoring Luiz, with Arsenal again in the mix. He is said to be appreciated at the Emirates, including by transfer chief and fellow Brazilian Edu.
Romano says it remains to be seen if Arsenal will make a move for a player in Luiz’s position in the upcoming January window. Villa would not make it easy for Mikel Arteta if he decided to pursue the 25-year-old.
Luiz first joined Villa from Manchester City in the summer of 2019. He has made at least 33 Premier League appearances in each of his four full campaigns at the club, proving he can be a reliable option in midfield.
Arsenal made a major addition to their midfield in the summer, signing Declan Rice for a club-record fee of £105million. But the long-term futures of Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are in doubt.
Jorginho and Elneny are in the final year of their contracts, while Partey’s deal expires in 2025. Jorginho has been linked with a move to Turkey, while Saudi Pro League clubs were interested in Partey in the summer.
Luiz, meanwhile, still has over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Villa. Emery will be keen to fight off any interest, either from his old club Arsenal or any other potential suitors.
Villa’s fine start to the season continued with Sunday’s victory over West Ham. They have now won 11 Premier League matches in a row at home and sit fifth in the table.
