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Sources: Arsenal line up new Douglas Luiz bid as Gerrard stance revealed
Arsenal are lining up a new move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz after failing to land him in January, Football Insider understands.
The Gunners’ priority is to sign a top-class striker this summer but Mikel Arteta is also in the market for central midfield reinforcements.
An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that Luiz, 23, remains on their radar and they are expected to bid this summer.
Intriguingly, Aston Villa are willing to let the midfielder go to free up space for Steven Gerrard’s top midfield targets, who include Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma.
Luiz’s old club Man City previously had a buy-back clause and Pep Guardiola has spoken glowingly of a player he described as “clever with the ball, he’s so physical and so strong”.
The Brazil international is contracted until June 2023 after signing for Villa in the summer of 2019.
Luiz has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, including 25 starts in the Premier League.
He started 16 consecutive league games between December and March for a Villa side who sit 12th in the top flight.
The former Girona loanee, who cost Villa a reported £15million, has notched four goals and eight assists during his time at the club.
Arsenal are eyeing midfield reinforcements as they prepare for a possible return to European competition next season.
Mohamed Elneny is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract, leaving Albert Sambi Lokonga, Thomas Partey, and Granit Xhaka as options in the middle of the park.
The Gunners have fallen behind rivals Tottenham in the race for fourth after dismal consecutive losses against Crystal Palace and Brighton.
In other news, pundit tips Arsenal to snub James Maddison and sign teammate after £50m report.