Arsenal aren’t likely to try to sign Douglas Luiz in January despite previous claims to the contrary, according to David Ornstein.
Amid plenty of conflicting information around Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, David Ornstein gave his view on the situation in a Q&A on The Athletic this week.
Orstein reports that there is indeed admiration for Luiz among some at Arsenal, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on whether he’s the right man for the club.
The journalist adds that he doesn’t think Arsenal will try to sign Luiz in January, and that Villa say there’s “no chance” of a winter transfer.
Fabrizio Romano had recently claimed that even though it’s not going to be an easy deal to do, Luiz remained at the top of the list for Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta.
Romano believes Arsenal will still try to sign Luiz in 2024, and he’s their top transfer target, in spite of all the recent reports that Aston Villa aren’t willing to sell. But it seems Ornstein isn’t so sure.
Speaking at the weekend, Unai Emery was clear that he’s hoping to keep the Brazilian international.
“Douglas is playing very good and his commitment is amazing,” Emery said. “I want him here.
“I am very happy with him and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us too.”
John Percy of The Telegraph recently reported that Arsenal were expected to advance their interest in Luiz in the January transfer window, but Villa regard him as not for sale.
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.
Despite all the talk, it seems Arsenal may not now be quite so aligned on the signing of Luiz as some have claimed.