Tottenham Hotspur may inadvertently be able to help Arsenal complete the signing of a long-time transfer target. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz over the last couple of years.
The Brazilian first joined Villa from Manchester City in 2019 for a reported fee of £15 million. Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Luiz in the subsequent transfer windows, although he remains a key figure in the Villa midfield.
In December 2022, he signed a new long-term contract that temporarily ended interest from the Gunners after three bids were rejected. More than a year later, rumours that Luiz could move to the Emirates Stadium are still doing the rounds.
It was reported by the Daily Mail that Villa will need to be cautious with their financial situation this summer after posting a £119.6 million loss for the 2022/23 season. As a result, players like Luiz may be forced to be sold in order for Villa to comply with Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules.
This is where Tottenham enters the picture. Villa and Spurs are battling to achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League and secure Champions League football for next season. Ange Postecoglou's side are fifth and five points behind fourth-placed Villa with a game in hand.
As well as competing in Europe's top cup competition, qualifying for the Champions League will provide a financial boost for whichever club qualifies. If Villa were to be that club, then that would ease the pressure on their finances after their recent results.
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However, if Tottenham were to get fourth spot, then that could hurt Villa financially. Fifth place could still earn a spot in the Champions League next season, depending on where England stands in UEFA's coefficient standings.
Should fifth place not be enough to qualify and Villa miss out on Champions League football, then the club may be forced to sell some key players. Plus, Unai Emery's side not competing in the competition may lead to Luiz himself seeking a desire to move away.
With Luiz being heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park, this could present an opportunity for Arsenal to get a deal over the line this summer if the player is still of interest.
