Arsenal have made signing Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz a “top” priority, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Romano said that the Brazilian is deemed the “perfect midfielder” by the Gunners but it will be very difficult to prise him away from Villa Park during the January transfer window:
“The top name, from what I’m hearing on Arsenal’s list is Douglas Luiz. The player was already on the list two years ago. Edu and others at the club really appreciate him, Douglas Luiz is considered the perfect midfielder by people at Arsenal, they would love to sign him and return on Douglas Luiz.”
“Only a crazy, huge, important proposal could be considered in January. If Arsenal want to go for their top target in January, they’ll need to invest a lot of money.”
A replacement for Thomas Partey?
With Partey having undergone surgery on a thigh injury that will keep him out until January, it seems as if Arsenal are lining up Luiz to replace the Ghanaian international.
Even if Partey does return to fitness soon into the New Year, the London club may still consider selling the player. He has had a very poor injury record since arriving at the Emirates three years ago, and he will have just 18 months left on his contract this January. There have also been reports that the midfielder wants to leave so it could be the right time to offload him.
Luiz has already been the subject of three bids from Arsenal
As Romano mentions, Luiz has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time. Before the summer transfer window closed last year, the Gunners made three attempts to sign him.
However, Aston Villa rejected the bids and Luiz ultimately signed a new contract instead. That means it will be doubly hard to secure his signature now.
