‘He’s one to watch’ – Romano reveals Arsenal ‘have an interest’ in PL star

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal “have an interest” in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz ahead of this summer.

The Brazillian has played for Aston Villa since 2019. He was previously with Manchester City but he did not make his senior debut for the Premier League leaders before departing.

Luiz has been a key player for the Villans over the past few seasons as he has played 94 games across all competitions.

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It was reported on deadline day that Aston Villa rejected three bids for Luiz during the winter transfer window. Arsenal are known to be admirers of the 23-year-old.

The Gunners also targeted Juventus star Arthur Melo in January but they did not end up signing anyone before the window closed.

Mohamed Elneny’s agent revealed on Wednesday that the Gunners did not let his player leave in January. Romano is now reporting that Arsenal and others are interested in Luiz:

“Arsenal need a midfielder, they wanted a midfielder in January. Also because [Mohamed] Elneny will leave the club so they need a player in that position,” Romano said (via the Here We Go podcast)

“Douglas Luiz is one to watch in the summer. Not only for Arsenal, they have an interest, but it’s not only Arsenal because I’m not convinced he will extend his contract with Aston Villa.

“So he could be a big name on the market this summer, and so, keep an eye on Douglas Luiz, not only for Arsenal, but they have his name on the list.”

Elsewhere, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted that he was not the “problem” which caused Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave for Barcelona:

“You ask the question directly to me, so I respond. I am extremely grateful for what Auba has done at the club, for his contribution since I have been here and the way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem,” he said.

“What I am saying is that I’ve been this solution, 100 per cent, I can look in the eye of anybody.

“I do lot of things wrong, for sure. But the intention all the time is the best – and not for me, it is for the club and for the team.”