Arsenal: Mikel Arteta shortlists Unai Emery’s 25-year-old first-team star

Ahead of the January transfer window, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shortlisted a 25-year-old first team star from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side. 

Arsenal have some plans in the January transfer window, but this might just be the smartest one. According to a report from 90min, Mikel Arteta would like to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in January as they remain interested in Unai Emery’s 25-year-old midfielder. Having had some bids rejected, Arteta may re-attempt to swoop in and sign Luiz in the January window.

Douglas Luiz is an important player for Aston Villa, starting every match in the Premier League campaign for them so far. Making nine starts in the league, he has returned an impressive five goals in what’s been a good start for Unai Emery’s side.

He is a central midfielder who can also play defensively if needed. Ideally, Mikel Arteta would like to sign a defensive midfielder, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey thought to be sold in the January window.

Not only would Douglas Luiz act as a direct replacement for Thomas Partey, but he could be used tactically to free up Declan Rice. Arteta would clearly like to use Rice further forward in midfield, as he’s demonstrated the impact he can have in attack. Therefore, signing Douglas Luiz as the holding midfielder would only accelerate the development of Declan Rice in his new role.

Not only does Luiz boast Premier League experience, but he’s picking up some minutes in the Conference League this season. Although he’s not a starter in Europe since Emery has utilised squad rotation, his minutes from the bench could be of great importance to Arsenal, who plan to progress to the Champions League knockout stages by the time they sign Luiz.

In other news, read our predicted lineup vs Sevilla.

Do you think Arsenal will sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa?