Arsenal are set to firm up their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Gunners readying a bid for the Brazil international.
What’s the word?
That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who revealed on Twitter: “Arsenal making offer for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. AVFC adamant 24yo Brazil int’l not for sale, but it’s understood he wants to leave & #AFC exploring if it’s possible before deadline.”
Sky Sports (via Football Daily) have also suggested that the north Londoners are “considering” an offer of around £20m for the 24-year-old, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard having admitted that a move could be out of his hands due to the player’s expiring contract.
Gilberto 2.0
It would appear then that Mikel Arteta’s side are stepping up their approach for the former Manchester City man, with Luiz potentially set to be the newest addition to the Brazilian contingent at the Emirates Stadium alongside the likes, of Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
Supporters will, however, be hoping that the nine-cap playmaker can replicate the impact of another of his compatriots in the form of club legend Gilberto Silva – a player he has been likened to – with the now-retired gem having been a key figure under Arsene Wenger in the mid-2000s.
The 6 foot 1 brute notably formed an immense partnership with French icon Patrick Vieira, with the pair forming the solid foundation for the club’s remarkable ‘Invincibles’ campaign during the 2003/04 season.
Signed from Atletico Miniero in 2002 after playing a prominent role in his nation’s World Cup triumph earlier that summer, the 93-cap titan went on to rack up 170 Premier League appearances over the next six years, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists in that time.
Luiz could well prove to be his heir apparent, with the £34.2m-rated sensation also having the ability to line up in a deeper midfield role – as he has been utilised predominantly in recent seasons – scoring six goals and registering seven assists in 106 league games for his current side.
With the Gunners currently enduring something of a midfield injury crisis, the addition of the £33k-per-week “baller” – as described by Ty Bracey – could prove crucial both in the short-term and beyond, with depth likely to be crucial with the club’s Europa League journey set to get underway this month.
If he can have anything like the impact of Gilberto, then Arteta and co could well be in for a real treat.
