Mikel Arteta revives interest in long-term transfer target despite Arsenal's three rejected bids
Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a new Arsenal bid for Douglas Luiz, despite having previously knocked back three approaches from the London side, it has been claimed.
Luiz, 25, joined Villa from Manchester City just weeks after they won promotion to the Premier League in 2019. He has made more than 150 Premier League appearances for the Midlands club, with his form at Villa Park earning him senior international recognition with Brazil.
Arsenal tried and failed to seal a deal for the central midfielder at the end of the summer 2022 transfer window, with reports suggesting they saw as many as three bids rejected. Not long after that, he signed a bumper long-term deal with Villa and has remained a key player even after Steven Gerrard - their manager at the time - made way for Unai Emery.
Mikel Arteta's side appeared to have turned their attentions elsewhere as far as midfielders were concerned, signing Jorginho in January 2023 and landing Declan Rice in a club record deal a few months later. Now, though, they are said to be back in for the South American.
According to The Mail, Luiz is one of a number of Villa players attracting interest going into the summer transfer window. Emery's team may be forced to sell in order to fund new signings, with a Champions League spot still in their sights.
The same report notes that Jacob Ramsey has been on the radar of Newcastle United while Boubacar Kamara caught the eye before sustaining his season-ending injury. The French international is now not expected back in action until the autumn, potentially lessening the chances of a summer bid.
Villa brought in around £40m through the sale of players across the last two transfer windows, but also spent more than that on winger Moussa Diaby
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