Arsenal expected to make late approach to sign Douglas Luiz

Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the coming days, Birmingham Mail reports.

Luiz has been a long-term target for the Gunners, and it appears that they could look to take advantage of his contract situation at Villa Park.

The Brazilian has just over 17 months remaining on his contract, but the club have yet to open negotiations over a new long-term deal.

The Gunners are now ‘expected’ to test Villa’s resolve before the transfer deadline with manager Mikel Arteta eyeing a new midfielder.

Villa are currently negotiating a deal for Rodrigo Bentancur, which could impact the future of Luiz.

Our view:

Arteta has good knowledge on Luiz, having monitored his progress at Girona (loan) when he was the assistant manager at Manchester City.

Earlier this month, it was suggested that he could be an option for the Gunners this summer, but the club could step up their interest sooner.

It is quite clear that the Gunners are eyeing a new midfielder, but they have not had any success thus far in pursuing Arthur from Juventus.

Hence, the Gunners may look at other alternatives. Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes has been linked, but the club are bound to prioritise Luiz if available.

The 23-year-old is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He has managed an impressive two tackles per game this term.

He is valued at £31.5 million as per Transfermarkt. The Gunners could make a late push to sign him if Villa are prepared to cash in this month.