A deal to sign Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz is actively being pursued, football.london understands. Sources at Villa have been insisting that Luiz will not be sold, but with under a year remaining on his current deal, a transfer cannot be ruled out.
Another reason why Villa may be reluctant to sell the Brazilian at a low price is due to a potential sell-on clause. According to Birmingham Live's Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece, Manchester City are set to receive 20% from any sale for over £15million that Aston Villa earn from Douglas Luiz.
If a transfer for the Brazilian fails to materialise then it is important that the Gunners attempt to sign an alternative midfielder on deadline day. Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park have been sliced amid injuries suffered to Mohammed Elneny and Thomas Partey and it is important that the Gunners bring in a reinforcement.
