Arsenal have tabled a third and final offer for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Two bids from Arsenal

The Brazilian has been the subject of great interest on the final day of the summer transfer window, with a Villa Park exit potentially on the cards.

Arsenal have emerged as the clear front-runners to sign him before the 11pm deadline on Thursday evening, seeing two offers rejected so far and as Villa hold firm.

Luiz is in the final year of his current deal, meaning they could lose him on a free transfer next summer, but that doesn't seem to have made NSWE any less stubborn.

The Latest: Third offer tabled

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sky Sports man Bridge claimed that Arsenal had made a third and final bid for Luiz's services right at the end of deadline day:

"It’s now or never for Arsenal. One final bid has gone in for Douglas Luiz."

The Verdict: Hold firm?

Luiz has become such an important player for Villa, providing energy and quality at the heart of the midfield - he has a 90.9% pass completion rate in the Premier League so far this season - so it is encouraging to see them not bowing to Arsenal's pressure.

It seems clear that they are hellbent on keeping him for the remainder of the season, and with Leander Dendonker joining from Wolves, Steven Gerrard could suddenly have extra midfield depth at his disposal.

There may still be time for Arsenal to get their man but it could be that only a further improved fourth offer will be enough to prise him away.