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Arsenal keen on signing Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz

By Ritayan Chatterjee on December 25, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz in the upcoming transfer window, as per the transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Gunners have enjoyed a stellar campaign so far this term, sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 40 points from 18 games. They have also displayed promising performances in Europe as the Emirates club have secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 as a group leader.

Mikel Arteta’s side will face off against FC Porto in the last-16 of Europe’s elite club competition and it is expected that they will go deep into this tournament this season.

So, it seems the North London club have been planning to strengthen their squad in January to provide Arteta enough resources to challenge on all fronts in the second half of this term.

It has widely been suggested that Arsenal have been contemplating purchasing a new striker in January, but signing a new midfielder to reinforce their engine room is seemingly also on the Gunners’ agenda.

Speaking on GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs has reported that Arsenal will make moves in January to reinforce their squad and have identified Luiz as the ‘top target’ to bolster the midfield department.

Luiz to Arsenal

However, the journalist states that Aston Villa are also in the title race this season so they wouldn’t want to let their star man leave in mid-season. Therefore, it won’t be easy for Arsenal to lure the Brazilian away from Villa Park next month.

Jacobs further states that along with Luiz, Joao Palhinha is also on Arsenal’s radar. But, they could face tough competition from Bayern Munich in getting any potential deal done for him.

In addition, the journalist says Fulham want a big fee to sell their star man in January so it won’t be easy for Arsenal to sign the Portugal international either.

Jacobs said:

“Arsenal will look to reinforce in January. They are in a relatively similar position to last season in the sense they are firmly in the title race, but this time around it’s much tighter. There’s really not much between them Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

“Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz remains the top target, but with Villa flying it’s obviously not an easy one. There is admiration for Joao Palhinha and the good news is Liverpool are not in the race for him. But Fulham want a big fee. I am still told Bayern Munich will return, even though we hear some reports they have cooled in their interest.

“Bayern’s reticence is also on the fee, but it may be that Fulham choose to cash in on Palhinha to help fund their pursuit of Fluminense’s Andre. Meanwhile, I am not aware of anything too concrete between Arsenal and Everton’s Amadou Onana despite some links.”

It has been suggested that although Villa are reluctant to sell Luiz next month, they could accept a fee of around £100m if they are forced to cash-in. So, the North London club will have to splash big money to sign the Brazilian next year.

Arsenal reportedly can’t afford to spend big in January due to FFP regulations so it is looking highly unlikely that the Emirates club will be able to purchase their priority target if Villa stay firm on their valuation.