Aston Villa Turns Down Arsenal’s £23m Bid For Douglas Luiz

Arsenal have had a bid for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz rejected by Aston Villa despite improved £23m offer from the Gunners on Thursday.

The Brazilian’s future has been the subject of much speculation during the summer transfer window, and a number of clubs have been linked with his services over the last 24 hours.

Arsenal were believed to be at the head of the queue for the midfielder, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Gunners had already agreed personal terms with the potential addition and the player himself rejecting the overtures from Liverpool.

“If Aston Villa don’t sell him today, Luiz can speak to other clubs from January and leave for free next summer. Villa have said he is not for sale but the player wants to join Arsenal. However, he would like to leave the club on good terms,” Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol said on The Transfer Show.

Solhekol claims that Arteta is keen to bring Luiz to the Emirates Stadium, but it will be a race against the clock to sign him before the window closes for business.

The 24-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park, has scored twice in five appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side during the 2022-23 campaign.