Arsenal FC expert Charles Watts has provided some exclusive insight into the latest on the Gunners’ plans in midfield in this summer’s transfer window, with the likes of Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes being linked.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts explained that Luiz could make sense as a cheaper option for Arsenal to explore, as they’ve looked at the Aston Villa star before.
However, Watts himself says he prefers Newcastle’s Guimaraes for that role, as he seems slightly better suited to what Mikel Arteta’s side are looking for, while there’s also the issue that Juventus perhaps currently look like a more probable destination for Luiz.
Watts says he’s unsure if Arsenal will end up joining Juve in the race for the Villa man, though he suggests it’s something that can’t be entirely ruled out after previous efforts to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Luiz or Guimaraes to Arsenal? Charles Watts has his say…
“Douglas Luiz is a player Arsenal have admired for some time. It’s not a secret. In fact, we know that they tried very hard to lure him away from Aston Villa two years ago when they had multiple bids rejected for the midfielder on deadline day,” Watts said.
“Mikel Arteta and Edu were both convinced enough by Luiz’s quality that the club made offers, but Villa were adamant at the time that they would not sell. So we know that Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Brazilian, which explains why links are once again surfacing over a potential move this summer.
“I haven’t heard anything yet to suggest that Arsenal will try again for Luiz, however. But it’s one of those transfers you could never completely rule out as we know he is a player that they like. Although at the moment, if he goes anywhere, it looks like it could be Juventus.”
He added: “I think if I were choosing between Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes, that I would probably opt for the latter. I just think Bruno would offer Arsenal a little bit more in terms of what they need right now.
“But he would certainly be the more expensive option and given Arsenal are looking to strengthen throughout the squad this summer, I would understand it if they went down the slightly cheaper route and looked to take advantage of Villa’s need to raise some cash this window.”