Arsenal have tabled a third bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the region of £25 million which has been rejected with less than an hour left in the transfer window according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The Gunners have been pursuing the 24-year-old described as a “very good player” for the entirety of deadline day despite Aston Villa’s stance that the Brazilian is not for sale.
Arsenal’s Third Deadline Day Bid for Douglas Luiz Rejected
🚨 Arsenal understood to have made 3rd offer for Douglas Luiz. Latest proposal said to be £25m. Aston Villa adamant he’s is not leaving. 24yo did #AVFC recovery session today & has been in Birmingham this eve. #AFC still pushing @TheAthleticUK #DeadlineDay https://t.co/8KhMXulyCq
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2022
Final Year of His Deal
Luiz is in the final 12 months of his contract, and with the player set on leaving, it looks like he will leave on a free at the end of the season, if not now.
Aston Villa’s deadline-day acquisition of Leander Dendoncker from Wolves means they already have an additional midfielder to replace the Brazilian if he departs, with the Midlands club remaining “adamant” that he will remain at Villa Park for the rest of the season.
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Luiz is reportedly keen on a move to North London, and had agreed personal terms with Mikel Arteta’s side earlier on deadline day, but will only make the move down south if his club are willing to let him go at this late stage of the transfer window.
Arteta Building Continuity at the Emirates
With Brazilians Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos already joining the club this summer, Luiz would have joined a club with a strong Portuguese-speaking core, as well as being another recent signing under the age of 25.
He was set to be the long-term replacement for Mohamed Elneny in the Arsenal squad as a defensive midfielder to compete with Thomas Partey, and has Premier League and international experience under his belt.
Douglas Luiz, pushing to join Arsenal. He wants the move and official talks are ongoing on £20m fee — personal terms not an issue. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC #DeadlineDay
Aston Villa will also announce Dendoncker as new signing soon. pic.twitter.com/K2I2OTaWOX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
Following three rejected bids, there will be some disappointment if they fail to secure the midfielder following their recent injury crisis. Despite their impressive start to the season, a lack of depth could cost the club during what will be an action-packed campaign with a busy schedule.
