Arsenal have reportedly switched their attention away from both Arthur Melo and Bruno Guimaraes.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Gunners' hopes of signing the Arthur are now slim after the north London club failed to agree on terms over a loan deal with Juventus.
Arsenal were hopeful of bringing the Brazil international in on a short-term deal until the end of the season, but Juve were reluctant to let him leave if they could not find a replacement of similar quality to the former Barcelona midfielder.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, looks set to join Newcastle United in the coming days, with the Lyon midfielder pushing for the move to the Magpies, according to Chronicle Live.
All this means is that Arsenal will have to switch their attention elsewhere if they are to bring in a new central midfielder before the transfer deadline on Monday at 11pm.
According to a report from the Evening Standard, the Gunners are now interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The 23-year-old has been impressive at Villa Park since moving to the Midlands from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 for around £15million.
Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of Luiz, with the Arsenal boss working with the Villa midfielder during their days at Manchester City together.
What's been said on Luiz's future?
As it stands, Luiz sees his contract at Villa expire at the end of next season and talks over an extension on his current deal are yet to take place, manager Steven Gerrard confirmed recently.
Gerrard said: "No, we have not opened contract talks with Douglas. I think in this period and in this window, it has been the case of trying to strengthen the current squad, make additions and, also, find destination for some of our younger players in terms of loans.
"Dougie has done okay for us. We have been happy with his training level and the performances that he has given.
"We still think that there is room for him to get better and to improve. You know, he had a bit of an injury when he first arrived and we still think there is another gear or two for Dougie to go into."
So far this season, Luiz has played 17 out of Aston Villa's 21 matches in the Premier League.
