By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

27th Oct, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Big update on Arsenal signing Douglas Luiz in January

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is unlikely to be the subject of a January bid from Arsenal, sources have told Football Insider.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old Brazil international.

But Luiz is a key man at Villa Park and the Midlands giants are unwilling to lose him mid-season.

Additionally, Aston Villa are under no pressure to sell as they are financially strong and well-backed by co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Arsenal are likely to continue to keep tabs on Luiz in the build-up to the summer window.

However, they will need to raise funds through the sales of either Jorginho or Thomas Partey before launching a move for the ex-Man City star.

Luiz has been a key part of Aston Villa’s success as their stellar early-season form continues.

The 25-year-old has started each of their nine Premier League games so far this season, notching five top-flight goals.

He has also featured in the Europa Conference League and League Cup.

The Rio de Janeiro-born ace was rewarded for his good form by earning his ninth Brazil cap in the loss against Uruguay last week.

Luiz is under contract at Villa Park until June 2026, with his last contract extension coming last year (2022).

He cost a reported fee of £15million when he joined from Man City in 2019 and has gone on to make 165 appearances for Villa across all competitions.

In other news, Arsenal could sell two stars and then beat Liverpool to January target.