Douglas Luiz (Getty Images)
According to 90min.com (h/t Birmingham Mail), Arsenal are keen on signing Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz in the summer.
Luiz, 22, was signed by Manchester City in the summer of 2017 from Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama but never made a senior appearance for the English giants. He was sent on a loan to La Liga with Girona, where he impressed but still couldn’t break into City’s first-team. As a result, he made the move to Villa Park last summer.
Since his arrival in Aston Villa, the midfielder has enjoyed a successful campaign despite his side’s poor run of form. He has been impressive this season, especially since the restart, and, the report also suggests that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also looking to re-sign him just a year after they let him go.
The Gunners, meanwhile, are currently in the 10th position in the league standings with just a game left. Mikel Arteta’s men have been inconsistent despite doing better in the latter half of the campaign.
However, the manager will have a chance to bring in players his system and Arsenal should make use of the upcoming transfer window. They definitely need to strengthen several key areas if they are to lift themselves and perform better in the next season.
One key area where Arteta needs to focus on expanding is the midfield. Joe Willock, Dani Ceballos and Matteo Guendouzi are the three players available in central midfield while Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are the only two defensive covers available in the middle of the park.
However, Ceballos is on loan and his future with the club is uncertain. And youngster Guendouzi is also facing the same situation. He hasn’t featured since the incident against Brighton and nothing is certain with the French youth international.
If Ceballos and Guendouzi leave, their numbers in the centre of the park would be reduced. Thus, bringing in a midfielder would be a wise decision by the club.
In that regard, signing Luiz would help them stock up their midfield for the future. The Brazilian has been in sensational form since the restart and was brilliant in the big games against both Manchester United and Arsenal in the last few weeks.
Despite mainly operating from a deeper position, he has managed to score 3 goals and provide 2 assists. His inclusion to Arteta’s squad would definitely add depth, whilst also bringing in healthy competition. He has shown immense potential in the league this season despite Villa’s poor campaign and has the ability to succeed at a higher level.
Arsenal adding another youngster to their midfield would be helpful for the future and Luiz, who is just 22, has a lot to offer in the coming years. And under the right guidance, he can develop into a leader in Arsenal’s midfield in the future. Thus, the Gunners should snap him up this summer.
