‘Couldn’t have really done much more’: Arsenal tried hard to sign midfielder likened to Alex Song – journalist

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Arsenal did all they could on transfer deadline day to try and sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, according to Dean Jones.

On the final day of the window, the Gunners tried to strike a deal for the Brazil international.

As per Sky Sports, Luiz was the subject of three bids from Arsenal on deadline day, with the last one being worth £25m.

However, Villa rejected all offers from the Gunners, and were adamant the 25-year-old was not for sale.

Steven Gerrard subsequently spoke about how he was certain that Luiz would understand the stance the club held.

“I’ve got confidence that he’ll understand the situation and the club’s decision,” Gerrard said, via football.london.

“We didn’t want to lose a very important player and a top player so late in the window.

“From a personal point of view, I very much back the club’s stance on that.

“I spoke to him face-to-face yesterday and he understood where we were at and the position the club was in.

“He very much respects the decision.”

Jones, writing on GiveMeSport, has now given an insight into just how hard Arsenal tried to get a deal over the line.

“With Douglas Luiz, they couldn’t have really done much more,” he said.

“They were in touch with Villa all day on deadline day and they just couldn’t convince them to sell.”

Luiz, who has been compared to Alex Song, Fernandinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.

Therefore, Arsenal may have the chance to pick the ‘unbelievable‘ midfielder up for a low fee in January or for nothing next summer.