Arsenal failed to strike a deadline day deal for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz and the Emirates Stadium outfit's late pursuit was 'strange', according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Although the Gunners parted with close to £120million as boss Mikel Arteta drafted in reinforcements during the summer window, he was unable to land Luiz ahead of Thursday's 11pm cut-off point.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Luiz?
With Luiz being into the final 12 months of his £52,000-per-week contract at Villa, Arsenal were hoping to use the uncertainty over his long-term future to their advantage on deadline day.
However, the Midlands club played hardball and rejected three bids from the Gunners, with the final proposal being worth £25million.
Although Villa were adamant that Luiz was not for sale ahead of the transfer window slamming shut, the 24-year-old reportedly wanted to seal his exit.
It is understood that Arteta was keen on bringing in a new midfielder following injuries sustained by Arsenal duo Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny during the early stages of the campaign.
The Gunners were not Luiz's only admirers as Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool also showed an interest with the deadline looming.
What has Dean Jones said about Luiz?
Jones is puzzled by Arsenal's decision not to hold negotiations with Villa over Luiz until the final hours of the transfer window.
The journalist feels technical director Edu made a mistake and should have tested the Gunners' Premier League rivals' resolve ahead of the South American scoring directly from a corner against them in midweek.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "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."
Would Luiz have been a good signing for Arsenal?
Luiz has made more than 100 Premier League appearances, so he would not have needed time to adjust to the rigours of the top flight.
The nine-cap Brazil international's experience in English football would have been an attraction for Arteta as he looked to find a late replacement for the sidelined Partey and Elneny.
Statistics show Luiz averaged more pressures, blocks and interceptions than the duo per 90 minutes last season, so it could be argued that the Villa man would have been an upgrade.