Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal’s strong interest in signing Douglas Luiz

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are very keen on securing the services of Douglas Luiz in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian midfielder has previously been linked with Arsenal in the 2022 summer transfer window. However, the Gunners had three bids turned down (According to The Athletic) by Aston Villa for Luiz. Shortly after, he signed a long-term contract at Villa Park which deterred any potential suitors.

However, Arsenal are now prepared to try again and bring the 25-year-old midfielder to north London. They have reportedly made Luiz their priority midfield target for the upcoming transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano confirms club’s strong interest in signing Douglas Luiz

Speaking on the Caught Offside podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed: “I mentioned the name of Douglas Luiz last week as the top target for Arsenal, and I can confirm guys that Arsenal really, really want and appreciate Douglas Luiz.”

“He’s a player they’ve had on their list for more than two years, and Arsenal consider him the perfect midfielder for their way of playing, for his intensity and for the quality he can bring.”

“So many different factors make him top of the list for Arsenal now. The problem remains that Aston Villa have no intention to let him go in January, so it’s going to be really difficult,” Romano added.

With Thomas Partey’s future looking uncertain it is possible that we could see Arsenal bring in Luiz. Partey is currently out due to an injury and football.london believes he will not be available to play until the end of 2023.

This inconsistency in availability seems to have become a problem for Arteta, and the club will prioritise signing a midfielder in the January transfer window. In Partey’s absence, record signing Declan Rice and Jorginho have done well to fill the Ghanaian’s empty spot.

While Jorginho is performing well, he isn’t necessarily a long-term solution. The Italian midfielder turns 32 in December and is coming towards the end of his career. Jorginho’s contract will end in 2024 and with Partey looking likely to depart from the club, the Gunners will explore the possibility of a long-term solution.

However, as previously mentioned, Aston Villa have been reluctant to let go of the player. At the time of Luiz’s contract extension, Steven Gerrard was the manager of the club. Now, Unai Emery is at the helm and the Villans have aspirations of securing Champions League football.

Arsenal are prioritising signing a midfielder in January. Along with Luiz, Martin Zubimendi is rumoured to be on the club’s transfer list. Transfer insider Dean Jones also revealed on the Ranks FC podcast that the Gunners are interested in Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.