Arsenal are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to recent reports.
The Gunners look set to lose versatile Hale End academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the January transfer window.
football.london understands that Italian outfit AS Roma are in advanced talks with the north Londoners over signing Maitland-Niles on loan, leaving Mikel Arteta's side short of midfield options considering Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny will be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year.
Now, ESPN have claimed that Villa star Luiz, who is valued at £31.5million on Transfermarkt, is on Arsenal's radar as Arteta is keen to sign a holding midfielder in the coming months.
And if Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's verdict is anything to go by, Arsenal would have a serious player on their hands. Guardiola has previously hailed the Brazilian, who was a City player before signing for the west Midlands club.
When asked about City potentially re-signing Luiz, Guardiola said: "There are a lot of people in the club working about this type of player and, at the end of the season, we will take a decision."
He added: "He's a guy who plays all of the minutes. He's an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who's clever with the ball, so physically strong. He's a lovely, lovely guy.
"Unfortunately when he came a work permit meant he could not play but I'm happy he's developed really, really well."
Luiz would add some much-needed stale to the Arsenal midfield if he were to join, registering 2.13 tackles and 2.60 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
