Arsenal might have used Douglas Luiz as a smokescreen for four players.

Arsenal might have used Douglas Luiz as a smokescreen for four players.
Arsenal missed out on signing Douglas Luiz, who moved from Aston Villa to Juventus.
Arsenal missed out on signing Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa this summer when the midfielder agreed to join Juventus. Mikel Arteta’s team apparently had a long-term interest in the Brazilian, who helped the Villans qualify for the Champions League next season.
Arsenal will now turn their attention elsewhere as Arteta seeks to construct a club capable of winning Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.

And Express Sport looks at four players the Gunners could sign if they only used Luiz as a smokescreen while negotiating deals for other possibilities.

Martin Zubiendi
Arsenal are thought to be looking for a new central midfielder to partner former West Ham legend Declan Rice, and have been linked with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi since last year.

Zubimendi has already reportedly turned down a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, with Barcelona also interested in signing him.

However, if Arteta can persuade the 25-year-old Spain international that a move to England will allow him to flourish at the highest level of the game, Zubimendi may reconsider.

Bruno Guimarães
If Arteta wants a player with Premier League experience, he might make it his mission to get creative midfielder Bruno Guimaraes away from Newcastle.

Guimaraes has been dominant in England since joining the Magpies from Lyon at the start of 2022, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists in all competitions last season.

Newcastle are said to be willing to sell Guimaraes in order to comply with profit and sustainability regulations. And, with his physical power and exceptional technical talent, the 26-year-old would undoubtedly succeed in north London.

Amadu Onana
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is another proven Premier League gem, having helped the Toffees avoid relegation despite an eight-point deduction the previous season.

The 22-year-old has the physical attributes to excel at the highest level of the game and has demonstrated a desire to help his club both on and off the field. He is presently playing for Belgium at Euro 2024 and did not miss a single minute of action during the group stages.

João Gomes
Joao Gomes, Wolves’ midfielder, would certainly leap at the chance to transfer to London and fight for Premier League trophies after 18 months at Molineux Stadium.

The 23-year-old was a crucial player for Wolves last season, helping them finish 14th in the Premier League, and his work ethic would instantly make him a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.