Arsenal are unlikely to launch a move for long-time target Douglas Luiz as Aston Villa are under no pressure to sell.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal may not launch a move for Douglas Luiz in January. The Gunners are aware of the 25-year-old Brazilian ace’s importance to Aston Villa, who are under no pressure to sell the midfielder in the winter market.
Mikel Arteta hinted during his Sheffield United pre-conference that Arsenal may need more players to improve the squad. The indications were likely for the January window when the Gunners will likely enter the market looking at reinforcement options.
While most reports have increasingly pointed towards an attacking signing, Arteta will also consider a midfield addition. Arsenal do have formidable options in the middle, but the fitness concerns with Thomas Partey could play in the mind of the manager.
Partey returned to action during the Manchester City win but suffered another muscle problem before the Sevilla clash this week. Arteta confirmed the Ghanaian will miss a few more weeks, which has called for a different perspective with this team’s midfield.
With injuries hampering his game time, Partey’s camp are reportedly growing disgruntled about his lack of presence on the pitch. While these reports have likely emerged from Italy, where Juventus are vying for his signature, the Bianconeri are only interested in a loan move.
With Arsenal angling a move for a new attacker, they must sell to improve their chances of funding the move for a new midfielder. The Gunners have retained an interest in Douglas Luiz, having failed to sign him in the summer of 2022. Aston Villa rejected multiple bids then and, in a short span afterwards, extended his contract at the club.
With Luiz tied until 2026, Villa remains uninterested in entertaining bids for the 25-year-old Brazilian ace, who has become a key part of Unai Emery’s system. The Midlands club have embarked on an important season and would not want to lose their most important midfielder midway through the campaign.
Arsenal probably know this and are unlikely to launch a move for the Brazilian in January. They are looking for a new midfielder and may look to tie up a move for a young star like Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians, with other clubs also interested in the teenager.
Arsenal could try for Luiz next summer when they will have the necessary funds to bring in another midfielder. In January, their finances appear dodgy, and they may only manage to bring one big signing in the next window.
