Arsenal 'make exciting approach' for talented Premier League midfielder instead of Douglas Luiz

Arsenal will turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend as they prepare to take part in a heavyweight showdown against Premier League pacesetters Liverpool.

The Gunners are the most successful team in FA Cup history and will hope to add further silverware to Mikel Arteta’s trophy cabinet. However, the North London giants enter the fixture in poor form and will not want the competition to come at the expense of a Premier League title.

Arsenal started the season in excellent form and were on course to be top on New Years Day, but their title hopes have been dented by back-to-back losses to West Ham and Fulham which will come as a major concern to Arteta. Declan Rice has been one of the signings of the season since his arrival from West Ham and his form in the midfield has been the catalyst for much of Arsenal’s success.

Arteta sees Rice as a long term midfield general for the Gunners but he is also keen to add further physicality to his midfield after injuries to Thomas Partey and the sale of Granit Xhaka in the summer. The Gunners were linked with Douglas Luiz but the Villains have reportedly rebuked efforts to land their Brazilian midfielder.

Another player who appears to have caught the eye of Arsenal’s recruitment team, according to reports from TEAMtalk, is Everton youngster Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old arrived at Everton in 2022 for a fee of around £33m and has established himself as a stalwart in the middle of the park. Overall the Belgian international has played in 47 games in two seasons - scoring two goals.

Onana’s physicality and exuberance in the midfield was vital to Everton’s survival in the league last term and has been crucial in the club’s strong performances this season.

The Toffees currently find themselves outside of the relegation zone in 17th position despite a 10 point deduction and Onana has played a crucial role in protecting the teams defence. TEAMtalk claim the Toffees will demand a huge fee for Onana and are extremely reluctant to let him leave mid-season. The outlet estimates his value to be somewhere in the region of £70-£90m.