Arsenal make £20m bid for in-demand Aston Villa star

The Gunners have made a late dip in the market for midfield reinforcements.

Arsenal have submitted a £20 million bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

That’s according to Sky Sports. The reports adds that Villa already have Wolves star Leander Dendoncker lined up as a £13 million replacement for Luiz, who has four clubs interested in him.

Aside from Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Luiz before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal are now really trying to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. Not an easy deal at all — but Arsenal trying with agents working on it. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC #DeadlineDay

Player understood to be keen on the move — up to the clubs. pic.twitter.com/CQz4fxql6U

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022

The 24-year-old Brazilian is said to be keen on playing for a Champions League club. But he is open to the prospect of joining Arsenal, whom he scored against in Villa’s 2-1 defeat on Wednesday.

After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted a spate of injuries had left his squad lacking depth in the middle.

“We are looking at options,” said Arteta. “Obviously [Elneny’s injury] has an impact because Thomas Partey is injured and we are a bit short in that position. We do have Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka who can play there.

“We are just looking at options in the market. As I said, the club has been super supportive to try to keep improving the squad and the team as we can, and if the right player is available and we can do it, we will try.”