Arsenal chief Edu to use Brazilian connection for double January swoop

Arteta on Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table

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Arsenal continued their trend of adding Brazilian stars to their ranks over the summer, and Edu appears keen to sign a further two stars from his homeland. Danilo and Douglas Luiz were both eyed ahead of the start of the season and they remain transfer targets.

The Gunners have made a superb start to the season and currently occupy the top spot in the Premier League, with their victory over rivals Tottenham last weekend cementing their status as title contenders. Mikel Arteta’s side beat Spurs 3-1 on the day, with Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka scoring the all-important goals.

Arsenal were far the better side from start to finish as Arteta continues to reap the benefits of their summer spending spree. Jesus has been the most notable addition to the side, proving to be the final piece of the puzzle in the final third and bringing out the best in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian flair at the Emirates Stadium is there for all to be admired, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the club are targeting both Danilo and Luiz to add a touch of class in midfield. He told CaughtOffside: “Danilo is one of the players that Arsenal have tracked during the summer but it was never close to being completed, Palmeiras wanted more than €35m (£30m) for him.

“Douglas Luiz remains on the list but nothing has been decided yet for January.” Arsenal saw several bids rejected for Luiz in the dying embers of the transfer window but Aston Villa were adamant that the 24-year-old was not for sale in any circumstances.

Though the Premier League side may regret that decision given that Luiz’s contract expires at the end of the season and reports have emerged that the former Manchester City star is stalling putting pen to paper. His value still remains at £31.5million, though that will certainly deplete as time goes on and talks continue to slow.

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Danilo has also impressed in Brazil, with his dominant performances in the centre of the park drawing him plenty of suitors. Though it will certainly be tough for both the 21-year-old and/or Luiz to break into Arteta’s plans this season if the club opt to renew their interest in the duo as early as January.

Partey and Xhaka have formed a formidable partnership in midfield so far this season, with Arteta giving the latter the licence to roam forward and be a presence in the final third. Martin Odegaard is also impressing in the No 10 role, with the captain also proving a versatile option given that he can be deployed in a deeper role to provide depth for the aforementioned duo.

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