Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz (Picture: Getty)

Aston Villa are ‘braced’ for Arsenal’s interest in their star player Douglas Luiz in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Brazil international and it is thought that they may attempt to sign him at the end of the season.

Arsenal want to strengthen in three key areas and are plotting to bring in a new striker, out-and-out winger and central midfielder.

Luiz ticks the box for a central midfielder and he has impressed for Unai Emery’s side this term.

Villa currently sit fourth in the Premier League as they look to finish ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham and seal a Champions League spot.

Luiz has produced nine goals and four assists across 25 Premier League games this term.

Arsenal are monitoring him and according to the Daily Mail, Villa may be forced into player sales at the end of the season to fund a summer spending spree.

Aston Villa's head coach Unai Emery reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Aston Villa, at Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Unai Emery will have to sell some players before making new signings (Picture: AP)

Emery and Villa transfer chief Monchi are thought to be ‘desperate’ to improve their squad and selling Luiz for a hefty fee may help them do just that.

Luiz has made a total of 188 appearances for Villa to date, conjuring up 22 goals and 21 assists.

The 25-year-old arrived at Villa Park from Manchester City in 2019 following two seasons out on loan in La Liga with Girona.

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