Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Friday, September 2.
Luiz frustration
Arsenal reportedly made three bids for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz on deadline day.
It had been hoped Luiz could arrive at the Emirates Stadium and challenge Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for a starting spot in Mikel Arteta's side with the Villa midfielder now in the final year of his deal at Villa Park.
Despite Edu's persistence, no deal could be struck and the Brazilian remains a Villa player.
Read the latest here.
READ MORE: Arsenal make £25m Douglas Luiz decision after Leicester set Youri Tielemans transfer demand
Maitland-Niles exit
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Southampton on loan for the remainder of the season with an option to buy next season, football.london understands.
As previously reported by football.london, the England international had been attracting interest from the Saints since last week and the writing has been on the wall with regards to regular playing time with the Gunners having not made a single matchday squad so far this season.
It is understood that the Gunners have been happy to let the versatile midfielder leave all summer. Following the announcement, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential, and he is someone who can definitely help us.
“I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here. He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing, and I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
Read more here.
Agent Gabriel Jesus
Following Arsenal's 2-1 win against Aston Villa, which maintained the Gunners perfect start to the Premier League season, Gabriel Jesus was spotted having a conversation on the pitch with Douglas Luiz.
The latter scored a freak corner kick goal that flew straight into the back of Aaron Ramsdale's net to equalise after Jesus' early opener, before Gabriel Martinelli bagged the winning goal of the game just 151 seconds later.
It's unsure what the pair were discussing with both players covering their mouths as TV cameras picked up the conversation, but it may have had something to do with Arsenal's pursuit of the 24-year-old. football.london understands the Gunners had been pursuing a deal for Luiz, although Edu was unable to strike an agreement with Steven Gerrard's side.
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