Arsenal midfielder search over as Edu backs off third Douglas Luiz bid due to transfer fear

Arsenal reportedly look likely to end the summer transfer window without a new midfielder after deciding not to make a third bid for Douglas Luiz.

The Gunners came into deadline day with work to do following a significant injury to Mohamed Elneny. Boss Mikel Arteta seemed happy with his options, but sprang into action.

Arsenal had a first, £20million bid for Villa’s Brazil international Luiz rejected by their Premier League rivals.

And Sky Sports News reports that a second approach worth £23million then went in, but Villa once again stood firm.

The Telegraph now claims, though, that Arsenal have decided against improving the offer for a second time.

That is because they fear a lack of time for Luiz to complete his medical before the transfer deadline. For Villa, there is also the question of how they would use the money late on in the window.

But the newspaper reiterates that Villa’s stance has continually been that Luiz is not for sale.

Villa have signed Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker for around £13million. Although, boss Steven Gerrard sees that deal as unrelated to the future of Luiz.

Luiz scored directly from a corner for the second time this season on Wednesday, as Villa lost 2-1 to Arsenal.

His instant impact from the bench has continued to make him an important player for Gerrard.

But the mission for Gerrard’s side now is to tie Luiz to a new contract. The 24-year-old’s current terms expire next year and he reportedly wanted a move away from Villa Park.

While Arsenal offered him the prospect of Europa League football, Liverpool – who also reportedly made a £20million bid – could have given him Champions League minutes.

But it now seems as if the paths of Arsenal and Luiz will not cross.

Douglas Luiz important for Villa

Luiz has proved a good servant for Villa since signing for Manchester City and he will continue that role this season.

Despite concerns over game time under Gerrard, the Brazilian will get minutes. It is up to him to either play for a new contract, or decide to move on in January or next summer.

Villa may struggle to tie Luiz to new terms given that he can talk to overseas suitors from January onwards.

Juventus are reportedly another team who have enquired about his availability this summer. And they are also likely to offer Champions League football.

Villa, though, have struggled early on this term and look unlikely to get anywhere near a European finish this season.