Arsenal endured a frustrating transfer deadline day on Thursday after three bids were rejected by Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz. The Gunners tested the Birmingham-based club’s resolve following the need to strengthen the midfield after injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
Arsenal were ultimately unsuccessful in their hunt for the Brazilian due to Aston Villa’s resolve to hold onto him. Despite Steven Gerrard seemingly giving Arsenal hope of securing a move by not assuring that the midfielder would stay, his club have backed his desire to keep the 24-year-old.
Edu changed his plans for the end of the window in the wake of the injuries to Elneny, football.london understands. Despite links to both wide players and other midfielders, the reality was there was little expectation within the club that any deal would be done prior to the injury twist.
