Arsenal and Tottenham could make a late move for Douglas Luiz, as Aston Villa may have a replacement in mind.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal and Tottenham are keen to sign Douglas Luiz. Aston Villa may have started the search for a replacement, with both north London sides needing a new midfielder before the window closes.
Douglas Luiz was the subject of a series of bids from Arsenal during last summer’s deadline day. The Gunners wanted to take advantage of the 25-year-old’s contractual situation and bring him to the club. Instead, Aston Villa stood firm in rejecting all approaches and ensured the Brazilian signed a new deal some weeks later.
There was a feeling that Luiz wanted that move, which could still happen in this window, with the Gunners reportedly retaining an interest. Mikel Arteta does not have a midfielder as an absolute necessity, having signed Declan Rice in a record deal from West Ham.
Yet, Arteta might view Rice in the defensive midfield role rather than the attacking eight positions he’s played throughout the pre-season. The Gunners may have pondered about the future of Thomas Partey, but the Ghanaian seems nailed down to remain at the club this season.
In any case, they could lose Sambi Lokonga and might look at midfield depth as an issue. Hence, there’s a chance to rekindle the interest in the 25-year-old Luiz. Tottenham are also keen on the Brazilian, with Ange Postecoglou still deciding on his final squad before the window shuts.
There’s a chance Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departs with Atletico Madrid interested. Luiz could replace the Danish star sufficiently, but it will take a concerted effort from both north London sides to get this deal done. Tottenham could argue they have an enormous need for the Brazilian, but everything will depend on the money they offer.
According to recent reports, Aston Villa have targeted Tyler Adams as a possible replacement. However, there’s no apparent reason to see why they want to sell Luiz now unless it’s financially motivated. They have already signed Youri Tielemans on a free transfer and invested heavily in other areas.
Yet, they might consider a lucrative bid for Luiz if something comes at the right time. Like last summer, they could reject all approaches that late in the window. Hence, Arsenal and Tottenham must make their moves now if they want a chance to sign the 25-year-old midfielder.
Overall, it makes little sense for Villa to sell one of their main midfield stars at this stage. Moreover, the player has not indicated a possible departure, but he could suit either of those north London sides well if any move transpires.
