ARSENAL have received a boost in their pursuit of Douglas Luiz as Aston Villa are keen to sign Gunners star Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta's men have been heavily linked with another move for Brazilian Luiz, 25, after they failed to agree a deal in the summer.
And they could now use Smith Rowe to facilitate a transfer as Villa are keen to acquire the English forward.
As reported by talkSPORT's Alex Crook via GiveMeSport, Unai Emery is interested in signing the Arsenal man during the January window.
Villa saw bids of £25million and £30m rejected for the player back in 2021.
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But injury problems have seen his minutes dwindle at the Emirates over the last two campaigns.
He has started just one Premier League game this season and registered one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions.
It is understood Arsenal could see him as a way of raising funds after spending £200m in the summer.
The sale of Smith Rowe to Villa may facilitate the signing of Luiz as Arsenal could do a swap or part-exchange deal.
However, The Athletic are reporting Villa face competition from Newcastle and West Ham in their pursuit of the Arsenal man.
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Meanwhile, Luiz has been sensational for Villa so far this season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 30 matches.
And Emery's side currently sits three points above Arsenal in the Premier League table.
But the Gunners are continuing to pursue his signature having seen bids of £20m and £23m rejected in the summer.
Both Smith Rowe and Luiz have contracts with their respective clubs until 2026.
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