Sources: Arsenal’s new Douglas Luiz signing plan revealed
Arsenal are set to push to land Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz next summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (17 December) that the Gunners have made Luiz, 25, their number one transfer target for 2024.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a January swoop for the Brazil international “looks impossible” with Villa set to ask for around £100million for his signature.
But it is believed Arsenal sporting director Edu is a big fan of his countryman – who also has lots of other admirers at the Emirates Stadium.
Fresh funds will be available for new signings at the end of the 2023-24 campaign and worries over Financial Fair Play regulations will also be alleviated – allowing the Gunners to go all out and push for their top priority target.
They have previously made concerted moves to sign Luiz and had more than two bids rejected for him in the summer of 2022 window.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (17 December) that Arsenal are also keen on a potential move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in 2024 – but Luiz is the number one target.
Mikel Arteta’s side are desperate for central midfield reinforcements despite spending a club-record fee to land England international Declan Rice just months ago.
Luiz has impressed for Aston Villa so far in the 2023-24 campaign, with the Midlands giants racing Arsenal for the Premier League title as the festive schedule gets underway.
The Brazil international has made 26 appearances across all competitions so far this term, notching six goals and four assists.
He is under contract at Villa Park until June 2025 after joining from Man City in 2019.
In other news, Arsenal set sights on signing Rangers sensation.