Arsenal news: Gabriel Martinelli shines vs Liverpool as Reds target Douglas Luiz transfer hijack

Gabriel Martinelli masterclass

Gabriel Martinelli was at his scintillating best on Sunday afternoon as he scored one goal and set up another in only Arsenal’s second win over Liverpool in the top flight since 2015. The Brazilian continues to impress this season, adding some much-welcome end product to his tricky skillset.

There were three particular Liverpool players he caused issues for, forcing changes from Jurgen Klopp during the game.

Liverpool eye Douglas Luiz Arsenal transfer hijack

Liverpool were dealt a major injury blow with the news that Juventus loanee Arthur Melo will need to undergo surgery and miss up to four months of action.

The Gunners were previously linked with a move for the Brazilian midfielder, but opted against making a move for the Juve star in January. The news of Arthur’s injury could now see the Reds look to hijack Arsenal’s planned move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the new year, as per Calciomercato.

Villa may be forced to sell Luiz as he enters the final six months of his contract and there has been no indication the 24-year-old is willing to sign a renewal.

The north London outfit had three bids rebuffed by Villa on deadline day in the summer transfer window and are set to reignite their interest in the Brazilian in January, with Mikel Arteta keen to add a new midfielder to his squad.

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Mikel Arteta backs Ben White for England call-up

Speaking to HaytersTV, when asked whether White is ready to play for England, Arteta responded: “Ben would be very comfortable playing on the right side of a back three as well as in the middle or as a full-back.

“If you ask me if he is ready to make that step [to England], then the answer is yes because he is a very confident boy. He gives you absolutely everything, he is always available and he has the courage to play under real pressure.

“We are really happy with where he is and obviously with the way William [Saliba] has been playing it makes sense for Ben to play there but that doesn’t mean he cannot play as a central defender.

“We all believed he had the qualities to do that [right-back] role and the most important step, probably, was for him to believe that he could do it, to feel comfortable in that position and that this position could maximise his potential as well to give him another dimension as a player.

“The fact that now he can play in various positions, I think makes him a more complete player and I think he’s very happy with that.”