According to Sami Mokbel, Everton target Leander Dendoncker is close to joining Aston Villa, which should free up Douglas Luiz to join Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, this transfer merry-go-round looks to be nearing an end, with Steven Gerrard and Mikel Arteta set to sign a fresh face, although Frank Lampard misses out.
It was said that Everton had an £8m bid rejected for Dendoncker, who is now close to joining Aston Villa in a deal worth £10m.
The Villans have moved for the Belgium international as Arsenal circle Luiz, who has already entered the final 12 months of his contract at Villa Park.
As a result, Arsenal are said to be preparing a £25m bid as Mikel Arteta and Edu sense an opportunity to lure the Brazil international away from the Midlands, to boost their own lack of midfield options.
Interestingly, Luiz is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Therefore, once Dendoncker officially becomes an Aston Villa player, we would be very surprised if a deal for Luiz to join Arsenal doesn’t go ahead smoothly – everything is in place for the move to progress in straightforward fashion.
Who Everton could turn to as Arsenal & Aston Villa make progress
The only loser in this transfer merry-go-round at the moment is Everton, although they already have another midfield maestro in the pipeline to ease the pain of missing out on Dendoncker.
It is said that the Toffees have agreed a £15m deal with Manchester United for James Garner, who has already undergone a medical on Merseyside and agreed personal terms on a five-year contract.
There is, however, a buyback clause for Manchester United, which puts a bit of a downer on the agreement, but nevertheless, Lampard will be getting a fantastic prospect in the England Under-21 international.
Keep an eye on this situation, as things could still change as we approach the 11pm deadline.
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