By Noel Whelan

3rd Jan, 2022 | 9:00pm

Pundit 'wowed' by Arsenal January plan as swoop for 'complete player' Douglas Luiz reported

Noel Whelan has tipped Arsenal to move for much-improved Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old is a “complete player” for the Midlands side.

According to The Sun (1 January), Aston Villa and Brazil star Luiz has joined contract rebel Denis Zakaria on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist as he targets a midfield addition this month.

The former Man City ace has been deployed in a more advanced midfield role by Villa boss Steven Gerrard at times since his arrival.

Whelan suggested this development has transformed Luiz into a more well-rounded player.

“I think he’s got a lot better, to be honest,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“When he first came in from Man City, no one knew a lot about him, hadn’t played many games at all.

“But now you’re seeing a midfield player in there who is competitive, can go forward, can score some great goals – he’s becoming more like that complete player for Aston Villa.

“Now he’s got that experience of playing week-in, week-out in the Premier League, it’s given sides the chance to take a look at him.

“I think he’s performed really consistently, at a really good age, and he’d be a great addition, wow.

“Arteta is looking for those aggressive midfield players who will work hard and help unleash that exciting attack at Arsenal.”

Aston Villa paid £15m to secure the services of Luiz following their promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

Arsenal will have to contend without midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny this month as they take part in the African Cup of Nations.

The Gunners sit fourth in the Premier League.

In other news, ‘there will be riots outside the Emirates’ after a ‘monster’ Arsenal bid is reported.