Arsenal remain keen to strengthen their midfield, with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz emerging as a strong candidate once again.

The Brazilian midfielder’s impressive form has made him a key target for the Gunners.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on May 28, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 28: Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on May 28, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Arsenal consider Douglas Luiz bid to strengthen midfield

Arsenal are reportedly keen on strengthening their squad with the addition of Douglas Luiz, the standout midfielder from Aston Villa that they tried to sign in 2022 before he renewed his contract.

According to ‘Football Insider’, Luiz has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta‘s side, and they are considering a bid for him in the upcoming transfer window.

Luiz has been a pivotal player for Aston Villa, contributing six goals and two assists. His performances have positioned him as an ideal candidate to potentially fill the void in Arsenal‘s midfield, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey‘s future at the club.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Phil Foden of Manchester City battles for possession with Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on September 03, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Phil Foden of Manchester City battles for possession with Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on September 03, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Despite being under contract with Aston Villa until June 2026, and with no apparent desire to leave Birmingham, it is believed that an attractive offer from Arsenal could lead Aston Villa to consider a transfer.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports that Arsenal view Luiz as a prime target for the January window. However, Aston Villa are expected to place a high valuation on him, potentially complicating the transfer due to Arsenal‘s limited budget.

Fabrizio Romano also confirms Arsenal‘s interest in Luiz, noting that there isn’t a specific asking price yet.

Aston Villa are keen on retaining Luiz and would require a substantial bid to alter their stance.

Reports suggest that Luiz is open to a move to a top club offering Champions League football.

With Partey’s injury leading to him being sidelined for over a month, Arsenal are exploring options, including Luiz and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad.

Luiz’s recent contract extension with Aston Villa following Arsenal‘s unsuccessful bid last summer has increased his market value.

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal‘s technical director, is a known admirer of Luiz, but securing a deal remains challenging.

Aston Villa’s stance on not selling him, as well as the lack of a set asking price, adds to the complexity of the situation.

In summary, while Arsenal is seriously considering Luiz as a key transfer target, the path to securing his services is fraught with hurdles, including Aston Villa’s valuation and the player’s current contract situation.