Arsenal eye Douglas Luiz amid midfield reshuffle – sources،
Arsenal are considering a midfield shake-up in January with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz a top target and Thomas Partey’s future uncertain, sources have told ESPN.
Arsenal saw three bids for Luiz rejected in September 2022 – with the final offer totaling around £25 million ($31.6 million) – and the Brazil international subsequently signed a new contract that ties him to Villa Park until ‘in 2026.
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Luiz has been a key figure in Unai Emery’s side this season, starting all 13 Premier League games with fourth-placed Villa following Sunday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham.
Arsenal’s interest remains, but they would likely have to make a significantly improved offer to convince Villa to allow Luiz to leave in the middle of such a promising campaign.
Arsenal have limited funds after spending over £200m this summer. Significantly, their deal to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford was initially structured as a £3m loan with an option for a permanent move worth around £27m , specifically to help Arsenal. compliance with financial rules.
They could raise money for new signings with Partey leaving. The midfielder has only started three league matches this season due to ongoing injury problems.
The 30-year-old is now out until the new year with a hamstring problem and is expected to join Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place from January 13 to February 11.
Reports in Italy indicated that Juventus were tracking Partey, and sources told ESPN that Arsenal had considered allowing the midfielder to leave this summer, but a suitable offer had not materialized while clubs from Saudi Arabia were also interested at the time.
Arsenal are willing to keep Partey, but it remains to be seen whether any club will formalize their interest, as his departure would give Arsenal more financial leverage to test Villa’s resolve to keep Luiz.
Mikel Arteta could choose to prioritize other areas, however, given they are also tracking Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
