Chelsea join race for Aston Villa midfielder

Chelsea have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Luis, 24-year-old, was linked with moves to Arsenal in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, but the deal failed to materialise.

The North London side led by Mikel Arteta allegedly saw three bids, including a final £25m offer, rejected by Aston Villa wanted between £30m and £40m dor the Brazillian.

Luiz’s future at Aston Villa is in doubt as he has just few months left on his contract and can reach an agreement with new clubs from January.

The report claims that Arsenal will reignite their interest in Luiz when the January transfer window opens, with Arteta determined to create midfield competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

However, another report via Birmingham Live reports that the Gunners are set to face competition from Graham Potter’s Chelsea in the New Year.

While the Blues spent over £250m on summer signings, they are still on the look out for midfield options in 2023, with both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho now in their 30s.

The report further claimed that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is attracted by the prospect of recruiting Luiz for a cut-price fee after spending big over the summer.