Arsenal have made a surprise bid for an Aston Villa star.
That's according to Deadline Day reports that say that the Gunners are still on the hunt for more players – and with Mikel Arteta's squad a little light in midfield, the Spaniard would like cover.
Thomas Partey is said to be out for a while through injury, with Mohamed Elneny, his trusted deputy, also apparently missing for a considerable amount of time. Last night against Villa, Lokonga was entrusted as the No.6, putting in a solid display and earning plaudits.
But beyond that, the north Londoners are light in that area of the field. Academy star Matt Smith was drafted in to fill a spot on the bench, as the only other midfielder capable filling that position.
Arteta is therefore looking to Villa goalscorer from last night, Douglas Luiz, as a potential option to cover the No.6 role, according to Sky Sports News' transfer expert Lyall Thomas.
"Arsenal have made a bid for Douglas Luiz in the last few moments. That’s the player they are going for on Deadline Day. Wolves ruled out the sale of Pedro Neto last week and it appears Arsenal prefer the profile of Luiz to Youri Tielemans at the moment."
Luiz worked with Mikel Arteta, since the pair of them both came from Manchester City earlier in their respective careers. The Brazilian started on the bench against the Gunners but scored from his second touch, directly from a corner.
The 24-year-old is valued at around £34 million by Transfermarkt.
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Arsenal are still looking for the “mystery winger” to complete their squad, while a midfielder has also been touted.
After Nicolas Pepe left the Gunners for more minutes on loan at Nice, manager Mikel Arteta declared a desire to “add firepower”, though he cannot guarantee a new player will come in. The Gunners have interest in Pedro Neto, as well as a Ukrainian wonderkid.
Mohamed Elneny’s injury means that midfield might need strengthening, too. FFT reported months ago that personal terms with Youri Tielemans were agreed, with the north Londoners just needing to agree a fee with Leicester: now, one obstacle remains. In other news, Bukayo Saka has hinted that he’s close to extending his contract.
