'Under the radar': Sky pundit claims Arsenal's number 1 transfer target as good as Declan Rice

Michael Dawson has named Arsenal transfer target Douglas Luiz alongside Declan Rice in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.

The Aston Villa midfielder has been key in Unai Emery side’s strong performances this season as they sit third in the Premier League table.

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson feels that Douglas Luiz has been going ‘under the radar’ and has been as good as Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai.

The January transfer window is set to open and Arsenal are keen on Douglas Luiz’s talents – although they would have to do very, very well to prize him away from ambitious Aston Villa, even though he is their number one target.

The Brazil star has been one of their key players and Michael Dawson thinks he has provided that attacking quality, alongside his defensive talents, as he told Sky Sports (26/12/23 at 2:35 pm).

From the 25-year-old 18 Premier League matches this season, he has five goals and three assists.

He was Aston Villa’s Player of the Season last time out and is proving to be a contender again, that’s why he deserves the plaudits coming his way.

Douglas Luiz’s performances for Aston Villa

“Szoboszlai, Douglas Luiz, and for me, one of the signings of the summer, Declan Rice,” said Dawson. “I think he has been magnificent.

Declan Rice holding, Szoboszlai and then Douglas Luiz. I think he has gone under the radar at Aston Villa. What Villa have been doing. He takes every free-kick. His creativity. He has just brought something else to the team. Brought goals. That’s my three in midfield.”

Aston Villa v Sheffield United - Premier League

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Douglas Luiz won’t leave Aston Villa for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side have knocked on this door before and it resulted in Luiz signing a new contract – at the time, he had less than 12 months remaining on his deal.

Now, his contract runs until 2026, Villa are in a stronger position and just like Jack Grealish, it’s probably going to take a record amount to prize him away.

And when you put into context it’s the January window, as well as FFP, you just can’t see a deal happening.

Plus, the player himself is going to want to leave and he has made it clear that he is happy at Villa Park.