Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus was influential once again as the Gunners beat Aston Villa 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Jesus completed a £45million move to north London earlier this summer and has been a revelation for Mikel Arteta's side since his arrival from Manchester City. The Brazilian striker has scored three goals and provided a further three assists in his five Premier League appearances, highlighting the impact he's had in Arsenal sitting top of the league heading into September.
football.london understands Luiz is among a list of players that the Gunners have looked at in the past and now the club are actively pursuing a deal for Villa star Douglas Luiz on Deadline Day. Technical director Edu is searching for a new midfielder to add to Arteta's squad following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, and it looks as though Luiz is the man Arsenal want.
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Following the win over Villa, Jesus was spotted having a conversation on the pitch with opposing Brazilian compatriot. Luiz scored a freak corner kick goal that flew straight into the back of Aaron Ramsdale's net, 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. Sources close to Villa remain adamant the club will rebuff any approaches made for their star midfielder, but that could change throughout Deadline Day with the Gunners said to be willing to pay up to £25million for Luiz's services.
The Brazilian can play as a no.6 and no.8 which would see him compete for a starting spot in Arteta's team against Granit Xhaka and Partey once the Ghanaian returns from injury. Luiz is thought to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium with his current deal at Villa Park set to expire next summer.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get a deal for the 24-year-old across the line ahead of the transfer deadline tonight. Arteta has made it clear he wants to add at least one more signing to his squad heading into a busy period of fixtures throughout September and October, with the Europa League group stage set to begin next week.
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