Arsenal’s transfer strategy this summer looks to be to improve the first XI if possible once again after another near miss.
Last summer saw the Gunners sign the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, who improved the XI and had a huge impact over the course of the season.
However, it still wasn’t enough and now, Mikel Arteta must somehow find new players to improve the squad and drive standards.
Indeed, this weekend we have seen players linked and one of those to get a mention again is Aston Villa star, Douglas Luiz.
As report on TBR Football, Luiz is being watched by Arsenal and Man United.
And if he does indeed sign for Arsenal, the Gunners could be getting a player who former winger Jermaine Pennant said was even better in the six than Declan Rice.
Douglas Luiz even better than Declan Rice
As we know, Rice had a huge first season with Arsenal and impressed.
But it was only at the back end of 2023 that former Gunner Jermaine Pennant suggested someone like Douglas Luiz is even better in the holding role than Rice.
“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment,” he said on Kick Off for talkSPORT.
“I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice.
“Creativity wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice.
“So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”
Rice and Luiz could work together at Arsenal
It would be quite something if Arsenal somehow managed to go to Aston Villa and pinch one of their best players.
It does make sense though as well for the Gunners. There is continued concern over Thomas Partey’s future, while the likes of Jorginho are not getting any younger.
Further, playing Luiz in central midfield would also free up Declan Rice to play further forward, a role he excelled in later on in the season.
Adding Douglas Luiz, then, might just prove Pennant’s comments right and improve the Gunners even more.