Arsenal are set to submit another offer for Douglas Luiz on deadline day…
What’s the word?
That’s according to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, who claimed that after the Gunners’ first bid of £20m was rejected by Aston Villa, they were to launch another attempt to sign the Brazilian midfielder before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
“Arsenal working on second offer for Douglas Luiz after original £20m bid was turned down by Aston Villa. Sources indicate it will be worth in the region of £23m. Villa determined to keep Luiz,” he tweeted.
The reliable reporter then added:
“Pretty clear that Luiz wants the move, Arsenal wouldn’t go to these lengths if they weren’t sure about that. If/when Villa accept a fee, the deal will move quickly. Personal terms won’t be a problem.”
Arteta will be buzzing
This latest development will surely leave manager Mikel Arteta absolutely delighted as he must be desperate for engine room reinforcements heading into the rest of 2022.
In recent days, the Spaniard suffered another gutting injury blow, this time one that has ruled Mohamed Elneny out of action, putting him on the treatment table alongside Thomas Partey, the very man he was covering for in the starting XI.
It leaves the Arsenal boss with only two out-and-out options at the base of midfield in Granit Xhaka, who is one of the most divisive players in the Premier League, and Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is vastly inexperienced.
As a box-to-box beast, Luiz solves this problem as he’s been competing in the English top-flight for several seasons now and he’s a player that Arteta will know well from his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
107 of his 116 appearances for the Midlands side have come in the Premier League, where he’s provided six goals and seven assists, including a goal from the corner flag against the Gunners on Wednesday night, as per Transfermarkt.
An average of 1.7 tackles and one interception per game during the 2021/22 campaign, via WhoScored, also highlights his ability to do the dirty side of the game too, making him a viable alternative to someone like Xhaka or Partey.
The midfielder – who The Athletic’s Gregg Evans lauded as an “absolute star” and Guardiola dubbed an “important player” who’s “clever with the ball” – could be exactly what Arteta needs to keep the Gunners on track with their 100% win record in the top-flight still intact after five outings.
AND in other news, Arsenal could land “outrageous” 6th signing with £17m bargain who’s “destined” to join…