Arsenal 'preparing third bid for Douglas Luiz in January'

Arsenal are preparing a third bid for Douglas Luiz, according to a report.

The Gunners tried to sign the Aston Villa midfielder on deadline day of the summer transfer window, but were unsuccessful with two bids in their attempts to lure the Brazil international to North London.

But, according to The Sun, Mikel Arteta's side will go in for Luiz again in January, but with a lower offer than they produced in the summer.

Luiz's contract at Villa runs out at the end of the season, and it's unlikely he will sign a new deal with the 24-year-old keen on the move.

Arteta is reportedly growing more frustrated with the fitness of Thomas Partey, and wants another midfielder to boost his squad depth.

He's reportedly hoping Villa will be persuaded to sell Luiz to avoid losing him for free at the end of the year.

£23million was turned down at the start of the month as Steven Gerrard's side fought to hold onto Luiz, and it's likely Arsenal's next bid will be significantly lower.

The Gunners are instead reportedly planning a £15million swoop.

Luiz joined Villa for £12.5million from Manchester City in 2019 and knows Arteta well from their time together at the Etihad.

He has made 119 appearances for the club since, scoring seven goals.