Arsenal receive backing to complete dream Aston Villa transfer

The Gunners are expected to strengthen their squad in the summer window as they seek to move closer to Manchester City in the Premier League title fight.

Mikel Arteta looks set to lose midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny in the coming months, while Albert Sambi Lokonga wants a move away for improved game time. This has opened up a spot in midfield, causing Arsenal to push for reinforcements.

Luiz has long been a target for the north London club and a transfer was very nearly completed in the summer of 2022 before he put pen to paper on a new Villa deal. Circumstances have changed now, though, with Unai Emery willing to let Luiz leave.

Villa must sell players this month to comply with the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability rules. Jhon Duran looks on his way to Chelsea but Luiz may have to go too.

Juventus are in advanced talks to sign the Brazilian in exchange for cash plus two players – Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Junior. That deal is looking all the more likely but Arsenal could tempt Villa to pull the plug by offering pure cash.

Arsenal favourite tips Gunners to sign Douglas Luiz

Legendary striker Alan Smith, who scored 86 goals in 264 matches for Arsenal between 1987 and 1995, has backed his former side to sign Luiz. The 61-year-old, a regular commentator for Sky Sports since 2011, believes it’s a deal that makes sense for all parties.

“I think Arsenal will be looking for someone to come in and play deep, the role that Thomas Partey was performing towards the end of the season. If Partey were to leave the football club, that creates an opening,” Smith told Gambling Zone.

“I like Douglas Luiz. I think his game’s come on an awful lot under Unai Emery. He's shown that he can take on those strict orders of Emery. He's got to do as he says, and that bodes well for the player's character.

“He has the willingness to be disciplined out on the pitch. The centre midfield is an area I think Arsenal will be looking at because Partey might be leaving the club,” Smith continued.