Deal Close: Arsenal sent Douglas Luiz transfer message as Aston Villa ‘swap’ claim made

Arsenal sent Douglas Luiz transfer message as Aston Villa ‘swap’ claim made

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive amid previous claims that Arsenal could be interested in Villans’ midfielder Douglas Luiz

Douglas Luiz of Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Burnley FC

Douglas Luiz has been linked with Arsenal amid his strong performances for Aston Villa

Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes the Gunners should consider a swap deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian midfielder has shone for Unai Emery’s side this season, with six Premier League goals so far in 2023/24. His performances in Claret and Blue have led to recent reports claiming that Mikel Arteta’s side could look to sign him in January.

But the Villans are under no pressure to sell one of their key players as they continue to rise under Emery. Luiz’s contract is also reportedly not set to expire until 2026.

READ MORE: What to expect from Villa’s January transfer window

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However, Gibbs has shared his hope that Arsenal will look to swap one of their players for Villa’s key defensive midfielder. He suggests forwards Emile Smith Rowe or Eddie Nketiah as potential options.

“It’s probably the best idea to go and get someone like Douglas Luiz,” he told ESPN. “You can swap players, there are deals to be done there for sure.

“There’s Emile Smith Rowe, there’s Eddie [Nketiah], there’s deals to be done there in this window. If I was to do anything I’d probably shore up the midfield and hope that in the second half of the season Saka, Martinelli and Odegaard come alive.”