Arsenal will attempt Moises Caicedo-esque transfer in January - Romano
Tom Weber
- 28 Nov 2023 05:25 CST
- 3 min read
Arsenal will try to sign Douglas Luiz in January, according to Fabrizio Romano, but a deal will be exceptionally tough to achieve.
The Brazilian is a long-time target of Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Despite several failed attempts to sign him in 2022 - and him eventually signing a new deal with Aston Villa - the Gunners have not given up on their dream of landing the 25-year-old.
On the contrary, reports of their continued interest in Luiz are proliferating rapidly ahead of January, though the expectation is that the high-flying Villans won't sell. Unai Emery is delighted with his midfielder, who has been a crucial cog in his side's success this season, with the Birmingham club currently sitting in the top four.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will nevertheless give signing him a good go in January even if proves an exercise in futility, like their pursuit of Moises Caicedo in January 2023.
What did Romano say?
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano said: “Douglas Luiz keeps being linked strongly with Arsenal ahead of January, but I think it’s going to be a tough one."
“It reminds me of the Moises Caicedo situation last January transfer window when Arsenal really wanted Caicedo – they made multiple bids to sign him and then at the end, it was not possible.”
"I still think Arsenal will try to sign Douglas Luiz, even if it will be very difficult as Aston Villa don’t want to sell him.” The Brazilian currently boasts and Estimated Transfer Value (eTV) of €35 million, having joined Villa from Man City for close to €19m in 2019.
In addition to Arsenal, City are also said to be keen on bringing him back to the Etihad, while Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in him. As things stand, however, all of them are set to be disappointed.
