Aston Villa are in a transfer battle with West Ham, while Arsenal are interested in a midfielder.

Aston Villa are in a transfer battle with West Ham, while Arsenal are interested in a midfielder.

Aston Villa and West Ham United will compete for Icelandic striker Albert Gudmundsson.

According to calciomeracto, the forward, who plays for Genoa in Serie A, has ‘exploded’ in the last two years and now ‘everyone’ is taking notice.

Gudmundsson, 26, has seven goals in 14 games this season, adding to the 14 he scored in 38 games in 2022/23.

Genoa rewarded him with a new contract on Friday morning, one that runs through 2027, as a result of his good form.

Despite the new agreement, the Italian outlet claims that despite Genoa’s reluctance to sell, both Villa and the Hammers would have ‘no problem’ paying the asking price.

‘Hell bent’ gunners regarding Luiz

While there will be plenty of rumours surrounding Villa’s January arrivals, one man who has piqued the interest of those inside Villa Park is Douglas Luiz.

Luiz has been in inspired form for the Villans in 2023/24, and as a result, some of the world’s biggest clubs are interested in signing the Brazilian.

However, according to Football Insider, Villa’s Premier League rivals, Arsenal, are ‘hell bent’ on signing the 25-year-old.

According to the report, Arsenal chiefs are willing to give Mikel Arteta whatever it takes to land the midfielder, with the club willing to ‘push hard’ to ensure a deal can be completed.

Luiz has five goals and one assist in 12 Premier League appearances this season, and with more than two years remaining on his contract, a massive offer would be required to entice him away from Villa Park.