According to the Telegraph, Tottenham beating Aston Villa to Yves Bissouma could now see Arsenal miss out on Douglas Luiz.
What’s the story?
Well, Steven Gerrard was hoping to sign the Mali international this summer before he chose to join Spurs.
The Telegraph add that Aston Villa also wanted Kalvin Phillips before he joined Manchester City.
As a result of that double blow, the Villans are now hopeful of tying Douglas Luiz down to a new contract after opening talks with the Brazilian.
That will come as a blow to Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on a move for the £15m South American.
Therefore, in a roundabout way, Tottenham may have thwarted the transfer plans of their north London rivals.
Douglas Luiz has already entered the final 12 months of his contract at Villa Park, so if Gerrard fails to get his No.6 to sign a new contract, he could still leave this summer.
However, the chances of that happening would’ve increased tenfold if the Villans had landed Bissouma or Phillips.
Arsenal can react to Tottenham setback
If Tottenham do end up causing Arsenal to miss out on Douglas Luiz, the Gunners have alternatives.
There is said to be interest in Youri Tielemans, a player who Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with.
They are, however, yet to strike a deal with Leicester, who value the Belgian at £25m.
Interestingly, Arteta is said to be pushing Arsenal to complete that particular deal.
Furthermore, if that move collapses, Arsenal are interested in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, although he may take some convincing as he holds reservations about joining the Gunners.
As you can see, Arteta clearly wants another central midfield option at the Emirates Stadium, and we would be very surprised if he doesn’t make at least one addition in that department before the transfer deadline.
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