The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success. However, Edu’s struggles in strengthening the middle of the park could be about to change following the reported pursuit of Douglas Luiz.
A deal to sign Aston Villa's Luiz is actively being pursued, football.london understands. Sources at Villa have been insisting that Luiz will not be sold, but with under a year remaining on his current deal, a transfer cannot be ruled out.
Time is running out for Arsenal to complete a deal before the 11pm deadline comes into force. But, the Gunners can use a deal sheet which is the key piece of paperwork that can be submitted up until 11pm. As long as a 'deal sheet' is sent in to the relevant governing bodies before the deadline, deals can still go through after the cut-off.
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This piece of paperwork allows clubs to prove that a deal had been agreed between both clubs and means that the relevant governing bodies can ratify the transfer and allow the player to be registered.
This allows clubs to be granted 'extra time' to get the deal done - but this can only be submitted between 9-11pm. Should a deal sheet be submitted in this two-hour period, all the documentation must be fully completed in order for it to be allowed.
A reason why Villa may be reluctant to sell the Brazilian at a low price is due to a potential sell-on clause. According to Birmingham Live's Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece, Manchester City are set to receive 20% from any sale for over £15million that Aston Villa earn from Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian joined Villa ahead of the 2019/2020 season for a reported £15million from Manchester City. It was in this deal where a future sell-on clause was added.
Even with Arsenal starting the new Premier League season with wins over Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa to sit top of the table with a 100 per cent record after five games, manager Mikel Arteta will remain hopeful of adding to his squad before the 11pm deadline.
Taking into consideration that Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are both currently sidelined through injury, a midfield signing has been the priority on transfer deadline day.
The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal have made a third bid worth £25million for the midfielder. With Luiz being the main target for Edu before the window slams shut, a deal sheet may prove critical in making sure a potential deal gets over the line.
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