Arsenal have been handed a major blow in their mission to sign Douglas Luiz amid Mikel Arteta's mission bolster his midfield options. The 24-year-old, who sees his deal at Villa Park expire at the end of the season, was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer but a deal failed to materialise.
football.london understand that the Gunners had been monitoring Luiz for some time before eventually tabling a bid in the summer thought to be in the region of £25million. Arteta's side submitted three bids for the Aston Villa star after learning that Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey would be absent due to injury.
But Steven Gerrard's side stood strong, with the club unwilling to lose a first-team player so late into the transfer window. Now, Arsenal face increasing competition from Premier League rivals for Luiz's signature.
