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Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on Tuesday (October 24) in the UEFA Champions League. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus marked a fruitful night for Mikel Arteta in the Champions League.
According to reports, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has caught Mikel Arteta's eye, is likely to cost a minimum of £70m. Elsewhere, the Gunners are interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Arsenal transfer news from October 26, 2023.
Douglas Luiz to cost at least £70m
Douglas Luiz is likely to cost at least £70m, according to journalist Dean Jones. The Brazilian's impressive rise at Aston Villa has turned heads at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta remains in the hunt for a new midfielder amid the uncertain futures of Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. Arteta has had his eyes on Luiz for a while and wants him at the Emirates.
However, speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones pointed out that Villa are in no hurry to let the Brazilian go.
"Obviously, he had his chance at Manchester City, which was tough for him. It didn't really work out, but that wasn't really a reflection upon him. It was just a situation that was tough," said Jones.
The journalist continued:
"He has had interest from Arsenal, which they're still keeping an eye on, but there is no expectation anytime soon that Aston Villa are going to cash in on Douglas Luiz. He seems very happy with the environment that Emery has built, so I think Villa can be reasonably comfortable right now with keeping him at the club."
Jones added that Luiz is likely to cost a premium give his assured performances in the middle of the park.
"When you talk about what his value might be, he has got to be at least £70million in this market because he is dominating games from the centre of the park and playing in the Premier League, which automatically has a premium," said Jones.
He concluded:
"I'd say £70million has got to be your starting point for a player like that. Then you start to move up from there and try to negotiate, but Aston Villa don't even want any sort of talks like that to happen. Let's see if they can keep hold of him for this season and beyond."
Luiz has appeared 14 times across competitions for the Villans this season, scoring six goals.
Arsenal eying Nico Williams
Arsenal are interested in Nico Williams, according to 90 Min. The Spanish forward's contract with Athletic Bilbao is set to expire next summer. The 21-year-old hasn't signed a new deal and the Gunners are among a host of clubs closely following the situation.
Bayern Munich, Juventus, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are admirers of Williams, while Aston Villa failed in an attempt to sign him in the summer. Athletic Bilbao, however, remain confident that the player will extend his stay with the club in the coming days.
Michael Owen backs Gunners for a lengthy run in Europe
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Arsenal can go all the way in the Champions League this season. The Gunners have started the campaign quite well, winning two of their three games in the tournament. They were also impressive against Sevilla on Tuesday.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Owen backed the north London side to give Manchester City a run for their money in Europe.
"I think this Arsenal team on ability, on what they do week-to-week, are one of, if not Manchester City’s biggest challenge in this competition. I think they’re that good. But the problem is, and as Man City have shown, the very good teams in the league, if it’s your first time in the competition it can take you a long time to understand it, to get past these experienced teams, I think that’s what Arsenal might find this season," said Owen.
Owen continued:
"On ability I think they’re the second or third best team in it. But can I see them go all the way based on this inexperience…it’s a massive ask, but they’re good enough, ability-wise."
Mikel Arteta's side are leading Group B after three games, one point ahead of second-placed Lens.
