Arsenal may have used Douglas Luiz as a smokescreen for four players

Arsenal have missed out on the opportunity to land Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa this summer after the midfielder completed a deal to join Juventus. Mikel Arteta’s team had reportedly held a long-term interest in the Brazilian, who helped the Villans qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Arsenal will now turn their attention elsewhere as Arteta looks to assemble a team that can finally clinch Premier League silverware for the first time since 2004.

And Express Sport takes a look at four players the Gunners could sign if they in fact merely used Luiz as a smokescreen while they prepared deals for alternative options instead.

Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are said to be prioritising a new central midfielder to play alongside former West Ham genius Declan Rice and have been linked with Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi since last year.

Zubimendi has already reportedly rejected a move to the Emirates Stadium, with Barcelona also said to be chasing his signature.

But if Arteta can convince the 25-year-old Spain international that a move to England would see him flourish at the pinnacle of the game, Zubimendi may reconsider.

Bruno Guimaraes

If Arteta is after a player who already has plenty of Premier League experience, he could make it his mission to snatch creative midfielder Bruno Guimaraes away from Newcastle.

Guimaraes has been imperious in England since joining the Magpies from Lyon at the start of 2022 and contributed seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season.

Newcastle are thought to be open to selling Guimaraes as they attempt to avoid falling foul of profit and sustainability rules. And the 26-year-old’s physical strength and outstanding technical ability means he would surely excel in north London.

Amadou Onana

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is another proven Premier League gem and was instrumental in helping the Toffees comfortably avoid relegation despite an eight-point deduction last time around.

The 22-year-old is someone else who possesses the physical attributes to succeed at the very top of the game and has shown his desire to help his team with and without the ball. He is currently starring for Belgium at Euro 2024 and didn’t miss a minute of action in the group stages.

Joao Gomes

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes would likely jump at the chance to move to the capital and compete for Premier League silverware after 18 months at Molineux Stadium.

The 23-year-old was a key player for Wolves last season as his team finished 14th in the Premier League, and his work rate would make him an instant hero at the Emirates Stadium.