Arsenal has been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz for much of this transfer window.
The Brazilian midfielder is one of the finest in the Premier League, where he plays for Aston Villa.
He was previously on the books of Manchester City and could move to another top English club soon.
Despite links to the midfielder for much of this month, Arsenal has failed to make an official offer for him, hours before this transfer window closes.
The Gunners could still make a late swoop for the Brazil international, which is still possible.
However, former Sunderland man, Kevin Phillips, is convinced they will fail because they have left it too late to sign him.
He tells Football Insider: “Luiz is a big player for Aston Villa. I cannot see a situation where Steven Gerrard would let him go, to be honest.
“He probably suits the style of play at Arsenal. Arteta likes them to play out of the back and Luiz likes to get on the ball.
“But at this moment in time I don’t think he’ll leave Villa, even if they bring another midfielder in.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Clubs who are serious about making signings this month have been making moves long before now.
While transfers will still happen in the next few hours, Aston Villa is too ambitious to be made to sell their top player so late in the window.
Arsenal simply has to wait until the summer to get him, if he is a transfer priority.
I understand why Villa will not let Douglas Luiz go. Gerrard and Aston Villa are looking for a European Spot so why would they strengthen Arsenal? Arsenal/Edu/Arteta should have done their business at the beginning of the window. Then we would probably be in the FA Cup, possibly the League Cup, and may have beaten Burnley. Incompetence. Why do people accept incompetence at Arsenal?
If we keep getting rid of utility players, and not bring in decent players, we can forget about Europe, we would have to hope that Wolves, Man Utd, Spurs, and West Ham all fail. Can’t see it, so the deadly duo have really failed to address our problems, unless something magical happens, we will fall flat on our faces. It is a real mess at Arsenal