Liverpool are reportedly keen on luring Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz to Anfield in the January window after an injury to loan signing Arthur – a player that Philippe Coutinho has branded a “great player”, and an “excellent person”.
Arthur was brought in on a loan-to-buy basis on deadline day from Juventus. It comes after the Reds were lacking in options in the middle of the park. But the Brazil international has managed one substitute appearances for the club.
Indeed, he has played more for the Under-21 side. Now, he is likely to be out until the new year with an injury. It might be that the Reds cancel his loan. Especially, if they can bring in another midfield star – like Aston Villa’s no.6, Luiz.
Italian outlet CMW claim Liverpool are to rival the likes of Juventus and Milan for Luiz’s signature. Speaking about his Villa teammate earlier this year, while on loan at the club, ex-Reds hero Coutinho delivered his verdict on Villa ace Luiz.
“Douglas is a great player. An excellent person,” Coutinho told Globo Esporte in March. “We had contact before I came to Villa, in the Brazilian team. Now that we play together, we are very close, which helps my integration on the field.”
Liverpool keen on Luiz: Coutinho branded Villa midfielder a ‘great player’
With Jordan Henderson’s form declining, Fabinho struggling, Thiago needing a partner and the back-up a considerable drop off, Liverpool need a midfielder of Luiz’s quality. His Villa contract is about to expire at the end of the season.
So, the Reds have a chance to sign a player for a cut-price fee. A player that is considered one of the best midfielders outside of the top-six Premier League clubs. He would be a superb signing, but also, a one that is desperately needed.
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