ARSENAL are reportedly preparing an offer to lure Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz away from Aston Villa before the winter transfer window closes.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is understood to be a fan of the 23-year-old having worked with him during his time as Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester City.
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Arteta has been desperate to bring in a midfielder this month, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both in and out of the team due to suspensions.
Back-up Mohamed Elneny is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, while Arsenal allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join Roma on loan.
Summer recruit Albert Sambi Lokonga, 22, has been forced to start the last four games in all competitions, with Martin Odegaard having to play in a deeper role.
Arsenal were linked with Lyon ace Bruno Guimaraes, but the player looks set to join Newcastle in the coming days.
As a result, the North London outfit are now weighing up a move for his compatriot Luiz.
According to the Evening Standard, should the Magpies sign Bruno, Arsenal will press ahead with a deal to bring Luiz to the Emirates.
They state that Arsenal aren’t completely out of the running to sign Bruno, but they must act fast if they wish to snap him up from under the Toon’s grasp.
The news outlet also claims that Luiz could be open to a move down south as he stalls on his contract at Villa Park which expires in 2023.
It has also been said how Villa have already turned down a £30million bid for Luiz in January, though it wasn’t from Arsenal.
Villans boss Steven Gerrard recently commented on his future in the Midands as he revealed talks to extend his stay haven’t started.
He declared: “We haven’t opened contract talks yet with Douglas.
“I think in this period and in this window, it has been the case of trying to strengthen the current squad, make additions and, also, find destinations for some of our younger players in terms of loans.
“Dougie has done okay for us. We’ve been happy with his training level and the performances that he has given.We still think that there’s room for him to get better and improve.
“You know, he had a bit of an injury when we first arrived and we still think there’s another gear or two for Dougie to go into.”
Luiz has featured in 18 games for Villa in all competitions this term – chipping in with three assists.
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