Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is indeed a firm target for Arsenal ahead of the coming transfer windows, but his price could be sky-high.

Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Douglas Luiz is a firm target for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta holding a long-term interest in the player.

But Aston Villa are expected to put a “sky-high” price on Luiz, and Arsenal are likely to have a restricted winter budget, making the move problematic.

Fabrizio Romano also recently confirmed that Luiz is top of Arsenal’s list of transfer priorities as they explore the midfield market, but he insisted there’s no specific asking price at this stage.

Villa insist they want to keep Luiz in January, and they consider him a key player. So it would take a significant bid to change that stance.

Previous reports have suggested that Luiz himself is keen on the potential transfer, wanting a move to a top club with Champions League football.

Thomas Partey is set to be out for at least another month and a half, and his unreliability has prompted Arsenal to look to the transfer market.

Football.London claimed Arsenal are looking at both Luiz and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, and perhaps the Gunners might be convinced to turn to the Spaniard if Villa remain unwilling to negotiate.

After Arsenal’s failed bids to sign Luiz on the summer deadline day of 2022, the player extended his contract with Aston Villa. He’s now on big money with a long-term deal, further complicating a potential transfer.

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar remains a fan of the 25-year-old, but a deal doesn’t look straightforward.