Arsenal face a fight to sign Douglas Luiz during the January transfer window with Aston Villa determined to keep hold of the midfielder.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Brazilian, who has scored six goals during an impressive start to the season.
Arsenal tried to sign Luiz at the end of last year’s summer transfer window and failed with three deadline day bids, with the last of those worth £25million.
Villa refused to sell the midfielder, who at the time had less than a year on his contract but two months later signed a new deal that runs until the summer of 2026.
Arsenal have retained an interest in Luiz since then and are in the market for a new midfielder this January.
Thomas Partey has struggled with fitness issues this season and a thigh injury is likely to keep him out of the team until the new year.
The Ghanaian is then due to be at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, with Mohamed Elneny also expected to be part of Egypt’s squad for the tournament.
Arsenal will find it hard to prise Luiz away from Villa, though, as the club’s hand has strengthened with the new contract.
Villa view the 25-year-old as a key part of their future as they continue to make strides under Unai Emery.
The club have made an excellent start to this season and are currently fifth in the Premier League, with leaders Manchester City just three points ahead of them.
Luiz has been instrumental with as well as six goals, he has also contributed two assists.
