Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ‘would love the opportunity’ to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in January, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. The Gunners attempted to prise the 24-year-old away from the Midlands outfit on deadline day in the previous transfer window but were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of his signature.
90min reported that Arsenal saw two bids rebuffed by Villa for Luiz as they were determined to keep him at the club despite bringing in Leander Dendoncker from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
An opening offer was turned down before Arteta’s charges returned with a second bid totalling £23 million plus add-ons, yet that was also rejected by the Midlands outfit.
Arsenal technical director Edu and Arteta were said to be ‘pushing hard’ to complete a deal for Luiz after he entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park.