Arsenal are “eyeing a fresh move” for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to The Sun.

The 25-year-old was the subject of three separate bids from the Gunners at the end of last summer’s transfer window.

Mikel Arteta’s side were prepared to pay up to £25m for Luiz before they eventually decided to drop their interest in the Brazilian international, with the player ultimately signing a contract extension.

Considering that the likes of Jorginho and Declan Rice have been recruited since they last tried to sign Luiz, you do have to wonder where he would fit into the club’s plans now.

A possible replacement for Thomas Partey?

There has been a lot of speculation about the Ghanaian’s future in recent weeks. He missed the start of the Gunners’ preseason tour of the United States, although it is believed that injury kept him from flying out with his teammates.

Partey is now with the rest of the squad, suggesting he is part of Arteta’s plans for the new season, unlike some others. However, it is still thought that he will be sold if a good enough offer is received. With Saudi Arabian clubs said to be circling, that is a real possibility.

In that context, the interest in Luiz does make a bit more sense, when you also take into account Arsenal’s past interest in the midfielder. Even so, his price tag could still be pretty high for a couple of reasons.

There will be rivals for Luiz’s signature

The Sun claim that North London rivals Tottenham are weighing up a move for the Brazilian as they seek a replacement for Pierre Emile Hojbjerg.

Competition for Luiz’s services will inevitably drive up the price and, if you factor in that the player still has three years left on his contract, the Gunners are unlikely to get him on the cheap.