Arsenal are unlikely to make a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist was asked in a Q&A whether the Gunners would pursue the Brazilian international when the January transfer window opened and he replied:
“I don’t think so. There is admiration for him among some at Arsenal (hence them trying to sign him the summer before last) but I don’t think that view is shared by everyone. More importantly, the view at Aston Villa has so far been clear: no chance.”
Ornstein is effectively contradicting another reliable source, Fabrizio Romano, who has said that Luiz is Arsenal‘s “top” priority for January.
Luiz’s price tag may have cooled Arsenal’s interest in the player
As Ornstein mentions, Aston Villa are not currently interested in selling the 25-year-old. Even if they do become more amenable, Unai Emery’s team are not expected to offload him for a low fee.
Some reports have put Luiz’s valuation as high as £60m. Considering the Gunners are struggling to stay within Financial Fair Play rules, it seems unlikely that they will have the funds to sign him.
What other midfielders could Arsenal target?
Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but the Spanish international’s release clause is only slightly below Luiz’s asking price.
GoonerNews reporter Chris Wheatley has also claimed that another Aston Villa player, Jacob Ramsey, is on the club’s radar, while former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has been suggested as another option.
The Portuguese international is currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia but there is a chance that he could return to the Premier League on loan next month.
