Arsenal are ready to make a second offer for Douglas Luiz after Aston Villa rebuffed their first attempt earlier today.
According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are returning with a second offer for Douglas Luiz after Aston Villa rejected their opening offer. The Midlands side stands firm that the player is unavailable for transfer, but the situation is expected to change in the following hours.
Arsenal are pushing hard to finalise a deal for Douglas Luiz, despite multiple setbacks today in pursuing the Brazilian midfielder. Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing the Aston Villa star to the Emirates after recent injuries rendered the squad short on midfielders.
The recent injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are why Arteta is in the market to sign a new midfielder. Moreover, the Ghanaian’s fitness record since signing from Atletico Madrid has been problematic, with Arsenal now seeking a reliable midfield option.
The Gunners have been in talks with Aston Villa through intermediaries since this morning, as they made a £20 million offer to rest their resolve. The Midlands club took a stance suggesting the midfielder wasn’t for sale.
? Arsenal going back in with 2nd offer for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. Opening #AFC approach for Brazil international unsuccessful but they aren’t giving up. #AVFC insist 24yo will not be leaving. Player believed to be keen on move @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/TtW8LTvvm5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2022
Villa have since rebuffed Arsenal’s first offer, with the Gunners set to return with a better bid. Depending on who gets the stories accurate, the new proposal could be between £23-25 million, which would test Villa’s resolve to hold on to the player with a year left on his deal.
Moreover, Luiz has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, believing that the Gunners will come back with a new offer. Luiz has urged Villa to facilitate a move to North London as he continues to find a solution to this transfer saga.
Arsenal are expected to push ahead with the new offer and hope Villa accepts their terms. With the window closure approaching fast, leaving it late would be a race against time for the Gunners to complete this move.
The Gunners must finalise this move or continue their season with a shortage of midfielders. With an understanding between Arsenal and Luiz, it’s all in Villa’s hands to accept the new terms. They will lose the player next year in any case on a free transfer.