Arsenal are ready to postpone their plans to sign Douglas Luiz until the summer, as Mikel Arteta does not want to lose sight of the Brazilian.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal will keep monitoring Douglas Luiz’s situation and will likely make a move during the summer window. The Gunners are keen on a midfielder and considered the £100 million-rated Aston Villa star their top target, but financial implications could see them postpone the chase.
Arsenal remain keen to sign a midfielder in the upcoming January window as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements to mount a title challenge. The Gunners have felt the absence of Thomas Partey owing to his persistent injury issues, as the manager wants a succession plan in place as soon as possible.
With Partey entering his final year next season, they might look to sell him, with some reports suggesting it could happen in January. In any case, Arsenal might listen to offers, although any decision on the Ghanaian will depend on their ability to bring in a replacement.
Arsenal seemed determined to sign Douglas Luiz in January, but plenty of complications surround a transfer of the Brazilian. The £100 million-rated Aston Villa star’s price tag significantly affects the Gunners’ plans, but Unai Emery will force the club to ward off any approaches.
Villa has found themselves in a superb position on the table, as they are chasing Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race. Losing a player like Luiz would hurt their chances for the title and in the top four race, which could sell the club hold on to the Brazilian.
Villa are reportedly ready to reject even a £100 million bid for the midfielder, which has put Arsenal in a spot. The Gunners will likely cool their interest, but they will keep monitoring the £100 million-rated midfielder’s situation until the summer.
Arsenal will return to the Luiz chase in the summer when they have enough funds to find a breakthrough. They could also offer the Brazilian an essential place in the side, as he could become Partey’s long-term successor.
They are eager to bring a midfielder in January and could switch their attention towards Joao Palhinha as an alternative to Luiz. In truth, any midfielder signing next month will depend on how fit Partey returns from his latest injury, but the Gunners might dip into the market for reinforcements if needed.
