'People involved in the deal': Sky reporter shares fresh update on Douglas Luiz to Arsenal state of play
Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has issued an ominous update on the Douglas Luiz to Arsenal state of play.
The Gunners have been trying all day to get a deal for the Aston Villa midfielder over the line.
So far, Villa have rejected offers from Arsenal worth up to £23m for the Brazilian.
Earlier this evening, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope for the Gunners.
Arsenal had apparently upped their bid to £23m plus £2m in add-ons, the Villans reportedly considering the offer.
But as of 9:17pm BST, Solhekol said he thought those involved in the deal were preparing to give up on Luiz.
“Time is running out. I think people involved in the deal are now ready to throw in the towel,” he said.
“When it gets this late it looks increasingly unlikely something is going to happen.
“Arsenal were prepared to pay up to £25m for a player who is out of contract in a year.
“But Aston Villa have been very firm that he is not for sale.”
The Independent reported earlier today that Villa are demanding £40m from Arsenal to sell Luiz before the transfer deadline tonight.
The Gunners are a long way off from that, and the Villans are adamant they won’t sell.
There’s still a bit of time before the window shuts, but it has to be said, it’s not looking too good right now for Arsenal.
And the Gunners certainly need to bolster their midfield ranks in wake of Mohamed Elneny’s injury.
Could Arsenal be spinning several plates at once in terms of midfield targets? Could there be another twist in the tale?
