Arsenal have made Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz their number one transfer target for 2024 but a January deal is looking unlikely, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, editor Wayne Veysey revealed that the Gunners have prioritised signing the Brazilian this winter as well as in the next summer transfer window – but the move is far from a done deal.
Sources told Football Insider that Man City, Luiz’s former side, are also very keen on a potential deal for the defensive midfielder.
Football Insider also revealed (15 December) that Villa value the 25-year-old at £100million and are “adamant” that they will not sell him this winter.
They are expected to reject any offer they receive for the Brazilian during the middle of the campaign
Arsenal are keen on quality reinforcements to improve their squad, while City are expected to depart with holding midfielder Kalvin Phillips in January and are keeping tabs on their former star.
Luiz is regarded as an elite-level asset who could make an impact at either club after his influential performances in the midfield and could make a move to a top-level outfit.
He has been a key component in Villa’s recent resurgence since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in October last year.
This season he has bagged six goals and provided four assists for the Villans and has featured in every game in all competitions.
His importance was felt at the end of last season when he notched game-winning goals against Tottenham and Brighton to secure Villa a spot in the Europa Conference League – where they have since topped their group and progressed to the knockout stages
Luiz has helped Villa secure back-to-back wins against both Arsenal and City in their last two games which has put them firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
The club currently sit third in the Premier League table and will next travel to west London to face Brentford on Sunday (17 December).
In other news, Sources: Aston Villa £40m bid for Oscar Gloukh could be accepted.
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