Arsenal receive new set back in push to sign Villa’s Douglas Luiz

Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has hit a snag ahead of the summer transfer window, with Juventus entering the fray. According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Juventus and Aston Villa are set to hold discussions regarding Luiz in the coming days, complicating Arsenal’s plans to strengthen their midfield.

Douglas Luiz, 26, had an impressive season with Aston Villa, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, and his dynamic presence in the midfield makes him a highly sought-after player. Arsenal, looking to build on their strong finish in the 2023/24 season where they ended in 2nd place with 89 points, just two points behind champions Manchester City, had identified Luiz as a key target.

However, the competition from Juventus poses a significant challenge. The Italian giants are keen to bolster their midfield options and see Luiz as an ideal fit. The impending talks between Juventus and Aston Villa indicate that the transfer race is heating up, and Arsenal will need to act swiftly if they are to secure the Brazilian’s signature.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been keen to add more depth and quality to his squad to mount another serious title challenge next season. The Gunners’ midfield has been an area of focus, with Luiz’s versatility and skillset being seen as a perfect addition to Arteta’s plans. Luiz’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset, as evidenced by his contributions in the past season.

The next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this transfer saga. Arsenal fans will be hoping that the club can fend off the competition from Juventus and successfully bring Douglas Luiz to the Emirates. However, with Juventus stepping up their interest, Arsenal may need to explore alternative options to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.