Mikel Arterta explains Arsenal's approach for Douglas Luiz
Karan Tejwani
- 2 Sept 2022 14:45 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about his club’s attempts to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz on the final day of this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners went into deadline day hoping to sign someone to bolster themselves in the middle of the pitch, with injuries affecting their current midfield options.
Arteta’s side have begun the season with five wins from five matches, and want to keep that momentum going well into the campaign to ensure a return to Champions League football next season.
However, this midfield crisis could affect them if it isn’t sorted soon, which is why they were so keen to sign someone on deadline day.
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Arsenal launched three bids for Luiz
Villa’s Luiz was identified as an option, but a deal was difficult to complete as it was so late in the window and finding a replacement would’ve been an obstacle for Villa.
Arteta, though, said the club tried and wanted to go for the right player for his team, rather than signing anyone for the sake of signing someone.
Speaking in his press conference, the Spanish coach said: “We tried and at the end of the day, we have to bring in the players we feel are right - but we didn’t manage to do it”.
“We pushed to strengthen the team and bring the best possible people and players in the football club. Time was a big limitation, and we tried to act but we didn’t find the right player.”
Arteta on Douglas Luiz: “We tried… and at the end of the day, we have to bring in the players we feel are right - but we didn’t manage to do it”. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Arsenal had three bids rejected, last one £25m 40 minutes before the Deadline — then decided not to overpay. pic.twitter.com/2Ehnq5cOUj— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 2, 2022
He then said the club mustn’t panic buy, as it becomes a problem for later: “I think we have learned a lot from that. Look at still the players we had to get out.”
The manager continued: “We have to be very disciplined because in those moments you can make mistakes that can cost the club a lot.”
Arsenal have seen players like Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey suffer injuries in the last few days, leaving Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as their primary midfield options.
They had made three bids for Luiz, with the final one reportedly being £25 million, however, Aston Villa wanted a fee closer to £35 million and Arsenal were reluctant to pay it.
