Arsenal haven’t exactly had a blistering start to the new year, but their season-long performances have kept them firmly within the race for the top four. Many Arsenal fans believe that one or two more additions could tip them across the Champions League line.
Thomas Partey has been a player who’s shown his quality. Despite having a few injury issues he looks by far Arsenal’s strongest midfield option. With Granit Xhaka being somewhat of a liability at times, the door is open for a midfielder to stamp their authority in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta’s side.
One name who’s been linked with a move to the Emirates is Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, who has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
For The Arsenal Way’s latest 'Transfer Insight' show, writer and presenter Tom Canton spoke to Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece (AP) from Birmingham Live as the pair discussed Douglas Luiz and what the future may hold for the midfielder.
AP: “I get the feeling given Arsenal's keenness, Edu likes Douglas Luiz, knows him really well - I think Arsenal could come on strong as we enter the last few days of the window. It depends if Villa wants to cash in.
“Douglas is a bit of an enigma amongst the Villa fans. I like him, he’s a very classy footballer who would do well at Arsenal. In terms of Villa’s situation, there have been reports today that they’ve had a £30 million bid rejected from an unknown Premier League club not being Arsenal.
“So there’s interest in Douglas, it all depends on if the Gunners step it up and go in hard to get him. He’s available, 17 months on his deal and he won’t sign a new one, Gerrard told me last week.
“The ball’s in Arsenal’s court if they come in with an offer. I’d be sad to see him go if he does leave because I’ve been told he’s settled in Birmingham. Since Villa got promoted, only Tyrone Mings has played more league games than him. He was key when Villa stayed up as well.
“He’s 23, he’s got a lot to give. His ceiling is so high. He’s a Champions League pedigree performer, he can easily do that job so it all depends on if he can fit in with Thomas Partey. Partey and Douglas, looking at it, it looks quite well.
“We haven’t seen him in a number eight role too much because he’s had to fill in as a 6 to cover injuries, but when he has played as an eight he’s looked devastating at times. When we first bought him he was rattling goals in from 25 yards.
“He’s got three assists this season mainly from corners, very good technically and he rarely loses the ball. He’s good in tight situations, he’s very good. I like him, some Villa fans don't, they don’t see what he offers but it’s coming to that crunch time now with 17 months on his contract and no update in regards to that, Villa could cash in.
“I was told last summer Roma were very keen on him and he was close to joining them. It’s clear that Edu likes Douglas Luiz, he knows him well from the Brazilian setup, that’s clear as day so it all depends on if Villa want to shake hands with Arsenal.”
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