Arsenal reignite Prem midfielder chase amid Tottenham interest, as Arteta looks to spoil rival plans

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in former midfield target Douglas Luiz after Tottenham entered the fold for the Aston Villa man.

Luiz was one of the best players at Villa last season, and also had his best campaign to date. His seven goals in all competitions were the joint-second most of any player at the club.

He was also directly involved in 12 goals in the Premier League, missing just one game all season. Tottenham have clearly identified him as a useful player, as it’s been reported they’re looking to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with him, with the Dane’s move to Atletico Madrid progressing.

Spurs are now set to have competition from north London rivals Arsenal for Luiz. Indeed, The Sun reports they’re set to ‘tussle it out’, as the Gunners are ‘eyeing a fresh move’ for the Brazilian.

They were keen on him last summer, and had three bids turned down by Villa – the highest worth a reported £25million.

Since then, they signed Jorginho, as well as bringing in Kai Havertz and Declan Rice this summer. However, it’s been suggested another defensive-midfield asset heading to the Emirates could allow the latter to play a more attacking role.

That, along with a long-standing admiration for Luiz, shows why the Gunners have reignited their interest in him. While it may be a coincidence that it comes a day after interest from Tottenham was reported, Mikel Arteta won’t mind if he’s able to snatch one of their transfer targets.

If given the choice between both sides, the club that finished second in the league last season are likely a fair way ahead of the one that came eighth, and Arsenal will be happy in the knowledge they’re in a better position than their rivals if so.

With that being said, there’s a distinct possibility that Villa don’t allow Luiz to leave. They turned down three approaches for him when they were in a much worse position than they are now, so simply making some money may have been on their mind.

Now, they’re one of the most exciting outfits in the Premier League, having finished seventh under Unai Emery last season and secured European football for next term.

As such, no matter how much any interested side might be able to bid, Villa might just say no in order to keep one of their most important assets at the club while they continue to grow.

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