Report: Chelsea ready to hijack Arsenal’s move for £31m South American star

According to Birmingham Mail, Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.

The midfielder was a target of Arsenal at the very end of the last summer window. The Gunners placed three bids for the Brazilian, with the last offer worth £25 million.

Considering the 24-year-old only had one year left on his current deal, it was a good enough offer. However, the hierarchy at Villa Park were serious about keeping their prized asset and stood firm on their £40m valuation.

That too despite the fact that the former Man City man has not shown an inclination to sign fresh terms at the Midlands club. Which leaves the door open for a winter or a summer transfer away from Birmingham.

Luiz has made an impressive 118 appearances for the Villans, since making the switch to Villa in 2019. He quickly established himself as one of the influential figures at the club, which paved the way for a national team call-up. Currently, the midfielder boasts nine appearances for Brazil.

Having worked with him at Man City, Mikel Arteta was keen for a link-up with the player at the Emirates Stadium, after it became clear that the Gunners needed reinforcements in the center of the park.