Arsenal transfer news: Second Douglas Luiz offer prepared as Edu straps himself in for Aston Villa battle

Arsenal will make a second bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the hope of signing the Brazilian before the transfer deadline.

Premier League clubs have until 11pm BST on Thursday to finalise both incomings and outgoings from their teams. Arsenal looked as though they would have a quiet final day, but that situation has turned on its head.

Indeed, Mohamed Elneny has suffered a significant injury which has forced boss Mikel Arteta to act. And coupled with Thomas Partey’s continued struggles, Arteta is racing for reinforcements.

Arsenal technical director Edu has latched onto his fellow Brazilian Luiz as his firm option.

The Gunners have already submitted a £20million bid for the 24-year-old, but that has not worked.

Nevertheless, Edu is willing to fight to get his man and The Athletic now talks of a new Arsenal bid.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports News reveals the new offer is worth £25million. Arsenal hope it will be enough to tempt Villa to sell.

Luiz reportedly wants the move to the Emirates Stadium amid the prospect of featuring in the Europa League.

However, Villa boss Steven Gerrard – who watched Luiz score directly from a corner again as an impact substitute against Arsenal on Wednesday – does not want to sell.

Villa have Douglas Luiz plan

The stance is a bold one from Villa given the prospect of making a profit on their £15million signing from Manchester City in 2019.

In fact, any money at this stage would be beneficial. Luiz’s contract expires next summer and Villa could lose him for nothing.

But that is where Villa believe they can stop the story moving. They feel they can tempt their midfielder into signing a new contract.

In any case, the Midlands club are reinforcing their midfield ranks on deadline day with Wolves’ Leander Dendoncker.

But despite the new signing, The Athletic says Villa are still adamant about keeping Luiz.

Midfielder better off leaving

Luiz has proved a solid player for Villa in his time there under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.

Ultimately, though, he would be better off trying to get his move to pastures new.

Before the serious interest from Arsenal, Liverpool also reportedly made a £20million bid for Luiz.

Given he has been of interest to two top Premier League clubs, he surely realises that there are better opportunities out there for him.

Gerrard wants him as part of his midfield, with Villa harbouring eventual aspirations of European football.

However, the opportunity for Luiz to play in Europe this season is already presenting itself. It is up to Arsenal to pay up.