Fabrizio Romano believes Arsenal could be in for a repeat of that Moises Caicedo saga with the Premier League leaders expected to ‘try to sign’ Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in January.
Arsenal may be wasting their time in pursuit of Unai Emery’s trusty Brazil international. But that doesn’t mean the Gunners won’t try.
Brighton’s reluctance to cash in on Moises Caicedo nearly 12 months ago did not stop Arsenal from launching a number of offers,
Failing with bids of £60 and £70 million before the Ecuador international joined London neighbours Chelsea for an English record fee later down the line.
With Arsenal long-time admirers of Douglas Luiz too,
Romano feels that the Emirates faithful should be readying themselves for another post-Christmas saga.
Arsenal want to sign Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz
“Douglas Luiz keeps being linked strongly with Arsenal ahead of January,” Romano tells Caught Offside. “But I think it’s going to be a tough one.
“It reminds me of the Moises Caicedo situation last January transfer window when Arsenal really wanted Caicedo. They made multiple bids to sign him and then, at the end, it was not possible.”
“I still think Arsenal will try to sign Douglas Luiz, even if it will be very difficult. Aston Villa don’t want to sell him.”
Luiz’s price-tag is likely to have risen considerably since Arsenal failed with a trio of offers during the summer of 2022, the biggest bid landing at £25 million (Sky Sports). GiveMeSport beleive that Luiz is value at around £70 million, and with good reason.
The one-time Manchester City prospect has taken his game to a whole new level since then,
Unai Emery transforming Luiz into one of the most complete central midfield players in the whole of Europe.
Luiz, a potential replacement for the injury-hit Thomas Partey at Arsenal, is averaging a goal or an assist every other game this season,
His wonderful cross to set up Pau Torres’ equaliser at Tottenham on Sunday described as ‘absolutely brilliant’ by the usually stoic Roy Keane.
And Emery, after that statement 2-1 win,
Wasted no time in spelling out just how keen he is to keep Luiz at Villa Park.
