Mikel Arteta and his transfer team may just be catching wind of news which could change the whole complexion of their summer window.
Right now it seems as if Edu is well underway in his attempts to execute Arteta’s plans, with three signings thought to be on the club’s shortlist.
Finding a new striker to play understudy to Kai Havertz is arguably the first priority, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko leading the way in that regard if reports are to be believed.
And other than securing a new centre-forward, Arsenal are also thought to be in the market for a central midfielder and a left-back.
Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes was believed to be the club’s priority signing this summer, but Arsenal are not willing to pay the Brazilian’s £100m release clause.
Of course, Arteta has been angling for another midfield addition ever since Declan Rice arrived, the number six to complement Rice’s new advanced role.
And although Guimaraes is wanted this summer, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz has been Arteta’s ‘dream’ signing for a long time now.
Aston Villa will welcome offers for Arsenal target Douglas Luiz owing to PSR woes
Previously, Luiz has been off-limits at Villa, with any interested club told to pay a ridiculous sum or simply not entertained at all.
However, with Unai Emery’s team now struggling with PSR before June 30’s deadline, Luiz has emerged as a candidate to leave.
The information comes via Mail Sport, who state that Juventus are currently considering a move, whilst recognising long-standing interest elsewhere.
And in a summer in which Arsenal are already reaching dead-ends when chasing their top targets, with Alexander Isak’s asking price also proving prohibitive, this could be excellent news.
Arsenal failed to win a point against Villa this season, and Luiz was a top performer at the Emirates in April’s damaging defeat.
And although Villa seem unlikely to sell Luiz for a cut-price, regardless of their situation, Arsenal may be able to secure a deal for less than is being quoted for Guimaraes.
Moreover, at 26-years-old, Luiz seems primed to take Arsenal’s midfield to the next level, a player who offers Thomas Partey’s skill set whilst also having a superb fitness record.
It’s realistic to imagine that Arsenal could execute deals for Sesko and Luiz this summer in line with their expected budget, and then player sales could then fund some room to manoeuvre elsewhere.
That being said, Alexander Isak has just made his stance on leaving Newcastle this summer very clear.