Arsenal have identified Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as an option in the summer transfer window to boost their midfield.
According to a report published by 90min.com, Douglas Luiz has come upon Arsenal’s radar as they get ready to dive into the market for a central midfielder.
Luiz joined Manchester City from Vasco da Gama and was sent on consecutive loan spells to Girona before being sold to Aston Villa before the start of the 2019/20 season. They were reluctant to see him leave but the lack of a work permit they had to sell him, albeit with a buy-back clause.
The Brazilian has put in some incredible shifts from the centre of the park for Villa this season and has been one of their best players alongside the likes of Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish. Despite usually playing as the holding midfielder in a midfield trio, Luiz has contributed with three goals and two assists this season.
Douglas Luiz vs. Crystal Palace:
85% pass accuracy
6 fouls committed
4 ball recoveries
3 successful take-ons
2 interceptions
2 tackles won
2 fouls wonA key player post-restart. ??? pic.twitter.com/Fmlj0WAovk
— Statman Scouts (@StatmanScouts) July 12, 2020
His impressive performances have reignited the interest of Pep Guardiola who wants to trigger his buy-back clause and bring him back to the Etihad for next season. It is no surprise that the Spanish manager wants to refresh his options in midfield for next season. Luiz could serve as an able deputy for Rodri who has had an inconsistent first campaign in England.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are in a worse state than City ahead of next season. They have five central midfielders on their payroll for the upcoming season, which includes Dani Ceballos – assumed to return to Real Madrid once the season finishes.
Matteo Guendouzi, on the other hand is, out of favour since the game against Brighton & Hove Albion and is expected to be sold, while Joe Willock is yet to discover his best position on the pitch. Lucas Torreira’s form has dropped considerably this season and has become no more than a squad player.
Moreover, the Gunners are in a tight spot with their budget this season, and cannot afford to make expensive signings, even though they desperately need to make changes to their defensive unit if they want to return to the top 6. Luiz was bought for £15 million and could be available for even less, if Villa wound up in the bottom three.
It remains to be seen if the Gunners do decide to act on their interest in the Brazilian enforcer.
