Arsenal may have secret weapon when it comes to completing £100m first summer transfer

Douglas Luiz to Arsenal — it's a transfer that has been talked about for some time now. The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian in 2022 and there were further talks last summer too.

Arsenal saw three bids knocked back by Aston Villa two years ago, and the Brazilian signed a new contract with the Midlands outfit thereafter. That contract will see his price increase, as will his form in the Premier League.

The talks for Luiz initially began because of an injury crisis in midfield at Emirates Stadium, and problems have continued to plague Thomas Partey. Having suffered numerous setbacks and playing just five league games this season, the Ghanaian's departure ahead of the 2024/25 campaign is a likely outcome, with Luiz perhaps coming in as his replacement.

It will not be easy for Arsenal to prise him away from Villa though, considering his scintillating for this year, although FFP concerns could force Villa to look to sell. Luiz has scored 10 goals and laid on eight assists in 38 games in all competitions.

Reports have suggested that Villa have slapped a £100million price tag on the 25-year-old's shoulders, which is likely to put the Gunners off, given they spent that and slightly more on Declan Rice last summer. A striker would likely be the higher priority this summer, were the Gunners to splash the cash for another assault on the Premier League title.

However, if they were to make another move for Luiz, they could have an ace up their sleeve in Kieran Tierney. The Scot has been out on loan with Real Sociedad this season and his time at the Emirates Stadium looks to be up.

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