Dean Jones has claimed that he would be ‘amazed’ if Arsenal managed to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
The Gunners are in a fantastic position right now, but there is room for improvement. Midfield is one area where they are light at the moment, and Luiz has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates as a result.
Aston Villa don’t want to sell Douglas Luiz to Arsenal
Old Arsenal boss Unai Emery is doing a remarkable job at Aston Villa, and Douglas Luiz has been one of his best players.
The 25-year-old Brazil international has been absolutely amazing for Villa this season. He has scored six goals and provided four assists in all competitions already, and he is expected to be a wanted man in January.
Arsenal have always liked Luiz. They tried to sign him on deadline day in last year’s summer transfer window, and their interest still remains.
Fabrizio Romano has even revealed that Luiz is Arsenal’s priority transfer target in the upcoming window. However, fellow journalist Dean Jones has claimed that he would be amazed if the Gunners manage to pull off this deal.
He told GiveMeSport: “I spoke to someone about it on Monday and was given a very clear message that Aston Villa have no intention of selling him. They don’t need to because Aston Villa – of all the clubs in the Premier League – are one of the clubs that have absolutely no need to sell players. Financially, they’re in a really strong position, and they’re still looking to build, if anything.
“While Douglas Luiz might be a player that Arsenal fans are getting a little bit excited about, I’d be amazed if this happens in January.”
Arsenal need to consider other options
A deal to sign Douglas Luiz was always going to be a difficult one for Arsenal.
The Brazilian is one of Unai Emery’s key men, and with Aston Villa doing so well in the Premier League and in Europe, they will back themselves to keep hold of him.
Arsenal should definitely try to sign Luiz in January, but he shouldn’t be the only name on their wish list. It would be smart to target two or three more players who are just as good as the Aston Villa man.
It will be interesting to see what will happen in January, but if Arsenal really want Luiz, they may have to spend crazy money – something like £80 million (TeamTalk).