Arsenal are in the market for a defensive midfielder to complete Mikel Arteta’s squad, but signing any of their key targets will not be easy.
Arteta was keen on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but it now appears that the Spain midfielder is not keen on a move to Arsenal away from La Liga.
Arsenal want a player who can complete the midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and allow Rice to push forward into a more advanced role.
Bruno Guimaraes has been linked, but a deal for the Newcastle star seems unlikely given that his release clause stands at £100m. Another Premier League star has been linked in the past, and it now appears that a deal could surprisingly happen.
Arsenal target Douglas Luiz open to a move from Aston Villa
Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport has now sensationally claimed that Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz now wants to move this summer.
Luiz, 26, has reportedly been offered to Juventus by Villa director Monchi, as Unai Emery is keen on some of The Old Lady’s other players.
The Brazil International has two years left on his deal, meaning that if he does not agree to an extension, a sale could be possible whilst his value remains high. There were no previous indications that he wanted to leave, given that Villa have qualified for the Champions League.
However, it now appears that an exit could be on the cards. If Luiz is open to move and does not sign a new deal, it could open the door for Arsenal to swoop in.
Mikel Arteta could land ‘dream’ signing in Douglas Luiz
Arteta knows Luiz well, as he was aware of the midfielder when he was part of the City Football Group, initially at Manchester City before moving to Girona.
Fabrizio Romano described Luiz as Arteta’s “dream signing” in recent months, and it was reported that he would cost around £85m.
Luiz ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal. He would arrive with plenty of Premier League experience, and has thrived both defensively and going forward this season.
At 26 he is coming into his prime years, and could be a mainstay in the Arsenal side for years to come. The question now remains over whether Emery would be willing to do business with his former club over one of his most important players.