Liverpool and Barcelona are reportedly prepared to rival Arsenal for the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian has been a key part of Unai Emery’s side so far this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
Luiz and Villa have arguably been the surprise package of the division in 2023-24, currently sitting in third place, two points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Since joining from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the summer of 2019, the 25-year-old has featured in 183 games for the West Midlands club, netting on 19 occasions.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool and Barcelona are ready to join Arsenal in the hunt for Luiz’s services from Aston Villa during 2024.
The report claims that a January switch away from Villa Park is off the cards for the former Girona loanee, with potential suitors targeting a summer transfer.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are long-term admirers of Luiz, with the North London side submitting two bids for the player during the summer transfer window of 2022.
Despite the arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham United for £105m before the start of the season, it is understood that Arsenal are still searching for reinforcements in the engine room.
The Gunners have reportedly made contact with Everton over the signing of Amadou Onana, however the Toffees are supposedly demanding £60m for the 22-year-old.
Liverpool focused their summer transfer window on the acquisition of first-team midfielders following the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo all arrived at Anfield ahead of the new campaign, although it is believed that the Reds have still taken an interest in Luiz.
Barcelona are also said to be preparing a move for the Brazil international in the off-season, with head coach Xavi planning a midfield rebuild at Camp Nou.
Luiz has prior experience of playing in La Liga, having featured 38 times for Girona in the Spanish top flight over a two-year period.
Following a goalless draw with Sean Dyche’s Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, Luiz and Aston Villa face Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup on January 26.
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