Douglas Luiz: Relentless Arsenal go back in with third bid to Aston Villa, as saga stretches towards deadline
Arsenal have gone back in with a third bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz on deadline day, according to a couple of trustworthy sources.
Luiz has been the subject of a couple of offers from Arsenal already on deadline day. He is in the final year of his contract with Aston Villa, who have signed Leander Dendoncker in his position in recent hours.
Arsenal, for their part, need reinforcements in midfield due to injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. With that in mind, they have been trying their luck to sign Luiz.
There have already been two unsuccessful attempts, which led to claims in recent hours that Arsenal were ready to end their pursuit there.
However, their hopes have not entirely faded. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal have made a new bid for the Brazilian.
This time, they have proposed a £25million deal to Aston Villa – who remain insistent they will not be selling him at this stage. However, their actual response to the bid is not totally clear.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that Luiz is still on Arsenal’s radar. The Italian transfer reporter has revealed that the former Manchester City product’s representatives are pushing Aston Villa to accept.
However, Romano reiterates that Steven Gerrard’s side are fighting to keep him, despite the risk of losing him for free in 2023. As Ornstein has already noted, Luiz likely wants to leave Aston Villa.
Douglas Luiz waiting until end
But time is running out if that is to be during this transfer window – especially with the player still being in Birmingham rather than London. Still, Arsenal are going to keep pushing for his signature.
The 24-year-old has scored two goals from five appearances between the Premier League and EFL Cup for Aston Villa so far this season. It will soon become clear which colours he will be making his next appearances in.
Arsenal are next in action on Sunday, when they visit Manchester United. Aston Villa, meanwhile, will be playing Manchester City in Birmingham one day earlier.
READ MORE – Hector Bellerin transfer latest: Arsenal take desperate measure as Barcelona set to wrap up signing
