Arsenal have maintained an interest in Douglas Luiz ahead of future windows as the Brazilian continues to shine at Aston Villa.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Douglas Luiz has maintained a place on Arsenal’s midfield shortlist as a future approach remains a possibility. The 25-year-old mainstay at Aston Villa has seen his importance rise as the Gunners could ponder a move in the next windows.
Arsenal have a good enough squad to compete on multiple fronts. There are still areas which Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar would like to address that may seem incomplete. For instance, they have a good enough defensive setup. But the injury to Jurrien Timber and Kieran Tierney’s departure called for another full-back.
Similarly, they lack a wide attacker in the final third who can consistently compete and cover for Bukayo Saka. There are links to Pedro Neto, and that move could accelerate as the January window approaches. Similarly, Arteta seems open to adding a new central midfielder as the manager eyes an overhaul in the future.
As things stand, with Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Jorginho, they have a strong core of defensive midfielders to rely on. The Italian international could consider offers, considering his current deal expires next summer, while the Ghanaian could also ponder moving away if Arteta plays him less this season.
In any case, Partey will have to be replaced at some point amid his advancing age and persistent injury issues. Arteta would certainly want a midfielder he can rely on for durability and one who can improve his team. In recent days, there have been links to many players, including Royal Antwerp prospect Arthur Vermeeren and Liverpool midfield target Andre.
One name that refuses to go away from their shortlist is that of Douglas Luiz. The 25-year-old mainstay at Aston Villa looks like someone Arteta would eagerly sign if another opportunity presents itself. The Gunners had multiple bids rejected in the summer of 2022, with the Brazilian signing a new deal with the Villans since.
Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal have kept monitoring Luiz ahead of future windows but insists any deal will not come easy. He said, “As I recently reported, Arsenal have been monitoring Pedro Neto for some time, and I can also say that Arsenal always keep monitoring the same players they like and Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz remains one of them. He’s always been appreciated.”
“Of course, we know that Arsenal had bids rejected for Luiz in September 2022, and he later went on to sign a new contract at Villa Park, which runs until 2026. He’s now a key player for Villa so the deal would not be an easy one, but many clubs appreciate him.”
Luiz has become a key player under Unai Emery, and Aston Villa will not want to sell their 25-year-old mainstay. However, if a club of Arsenal’s size arrive with an offer, the Brazilian might favour to move on and try a new challenge.
For Arsenal, he is not their solitary midfield target, as others like AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana have also found a way into their shortlist. Luiz certainly brings Premier League experience and durability, something Arteta would clearly like over other targets.
