Arsenal are in the frame for a pair of Brazilian midfielders, as per Jack Rosser of the London Evening Standard.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is the first of those, with the Gunners ‘considering’ a move for the Brazilian who is out of contract in 18 months.
Price, however, may be a stumbling block. The Villians have already rejected an offer of 30 million from another Premier League club, not thought to have been Arsenal.
Arsenal considering a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.#AVFC have already rejected a £30m bid from another PL club – not Arsenal. #AFC https://t.co/v9oMm2UaBh
— Jack Rosser (@JackRosser_) January 27, 2022
But, with Aston Villa needing funds as they look to complete a move for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, a deal could potentially be struck in the dying embers of the January transfer window should Arsenal really be set on him as their man.
The latest on Bruno Guimaraes
In the same vein, the Gunners would have to move “quickly” in order to stand a chance of landing Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who they scouted before he joined the French side from Brazil.
Guimaraes has been subject to a bid from Newcastle, and the Ligue 1 outfit are expected to respond today. As per Rosser:
‘Arsenal may not be completely out of the picture just yet – though they would have to move exceptionally quickly to put up a fight.’
Source close to Bruno Guimaraes says Arsenal not completely out of the picture in that deal but would have to move quickly. Newcastle are the favourites and Lyon are expected to make a decision on their offer today. #AFC #NUFC https://t.co/v9oMm2UaBh
— Jack Rosser (@JackRosser_) January 27, 2022
It is unclear whether the Gunners will choose to move in for the Brazilian and firm up their long-standing interest in the midfielder, but that they have not done so yet is perhaps indicative of their stance on the move.
With Thomas Partey now back from the Africa Cup of Nations, the midfield issues have eased somewhat. However, there are still gaps to be plugged.
