Chelsea want Arsenal transfer target Douglas Luiz in 2023 to replace aging N’Golo Kante and Jorginho now in their 30s.
The 24-year-old Brazil midfielder was the subject of late interest from Mikel Arteta’s side in the last stage of the summer transfer window, but a deal to the Emirates Stadium never happened.
On the final day of the transfer window, Aston Villa reportedly turned down three offers from Arsenal for the former Manchester City star, including a final offer of £25 million. Steven Gerrard’s team reportedly wanted between £30 and £40 million.
Luiz’s long-term future at Villa Park remains uncertain as the midfielder has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
If the former Manchester City player decides against signing a new contract with Villa, he will be entitled to discuss pre-contract negotiations with overseas clubs starting in January.
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According to a recent report, Mikel Arteta is eager to provide Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka with midfield competition, therefore Arsenal is ready to rekindle their interest in Luiz when the January transfer window opens.
According to Birmingham Live claim that the Gunners will have competition in the new year from Graham Potter’s Chelsea.
Since both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are in their 30s, it is believed that the Blues will be looking to strengthen their midfield options in 2023 despite spending more than £250 million on summer acquisitions.
Todd Boehly, a co-owner of Chelsea, is supposedly drawn to the idea of signing Luiz for a bargain price after making significant summer purchases.
Like Luiz, both Kante and Jorginho will see their ongoing current deal with the West London club in June 2023 and the two midfielders linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
However, a recent rumor, Kante, a 31-year-old France international has rejected a two-year contract renewal from Chelsea in favor of a longer-term agreement.
Barcelona is apparently interested in signing Jorginho, and the 30-year-old former Napoli ace return to Serie A has also been suggested.
Due to injury, Kante has only appeared twice for Chelsea this season, whilst Jorginho has started eight games across all competitions and started last week’s Champions League match that ended in a 1-1 tie between the Blues and Red Bull Salzburg.
