Transfer insider Dean Jones has been left confused by Arsenal's late pursuit of Douglas Luiz on Deadline Day.

The Lowdown: Three bids rejected

Mikel Arteta's team reportedly had three bids rejected for the 24-year-old on Thursay, going from £20m to £23m and then a final offer of £25m.

They were looking for a central midfielder following the injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, and interestingly Luiz had scored directly from a corner against the Gunners the night before as the north London club ran out 2-1 winners against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Jones confused

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones was left confused as to why Arsenal left their pursuit of a central midfielder so late, and why they decided to go for Luiz a day after coming up against him for Villa.

The journalist said: “I find it a bit strange that they knew they would probably need a central midfielder all summer and then made three failed bids for Douglas Luiz a day after playing against him.

“Generally, Arsenal’s recruitment process has been much improved, but that is one that leaves you scratching your head a bit.”

The Verdict: Right player, wrong time

In truth, Arsenal needed to bring in a midfielder much earlier in the summer transfer window, long before the injuries to Partey and Elneny.

The Ghanaian has had a history of injury problems ever since he joined the Gunners, and with an added European campaign this term, it was always going to be a risk to have only the Egyptian as genuine defensive midfield cover.

At 24 years of age, Luiz fits the age profile that Arsenal have been signing; and as Brazilian, he would have fitted in nicely with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

Nonetheless, the Gunners will now have to wait until the January transfer window if they want to strengthen in that area of the pitch.