Aston Villa star named as Arsenal transfer target

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is reportedly a transfer target for Arsenal this month.

The 23-year-old is said to be one of four midfield targets that Arsenal could pursue before the January transfer window shuts next week.

According to the Athletic, Wolves' Ruben Neves, Luiz of Villa, RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams and Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon will all be considered by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Luiz has been one of the first names on Steven Gerrard's team sheet since he took over from Dean Smith back in November and sits at the heart of the midfield. He has long been on Arsenal's radar, according to reports.

But Villa themselves are looking to improve their midfield ranks, as Juventus' Rodrigo Bentancur is said to be a prime target in the final days of the window.

The deal is by no means close, but Villa are said to be "confident" over thrashing out the transfer.

Back to Luiz and the Brazilian has 18 months left on his current Villa deal, which will expire at the end of next season.

He is one of only a few Villa players who have not penned fresh terms at the club since 2019.