November 9th 2023.
Arsenal have identified Douglas Luiz as their top transfer target ahead of the January window. This comes after the Gunners were dealt a major blow with Thomas Partey being ruled out until 2024 due to a thigh operation.
Although Arsenal had previously been linked with Brentford striker Ivan Toney, reports suggest that the Gunners are now prioritising a move for the Aston Villa midfielder. Fabrizio Romano commented on his YouTube channel that "Douglas Luiz is the top name from what I'm hearing on Arsenal's list. People at the club really appreciate him, and he is considered the perfect midfielder by them. They would love to sign him and retire on Douglas Luiz".
Arsenal are on the lookout for cover for the injured Partey, and have also been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. However, the 24-year-old is keen to stay with the Spanish club until the end of the season.
Last January, Arsenal made an offer for Zubimendi, who has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad. But the midfielder described the decision to leave the club halfway through the campaign as 'illogical'.
As for Luiz, the Gunners had made multiple offers for the Brazilian last year, but their highest offer of £25m was rejected by Villa. Luiz was then rewarded with a new contract that ties him to the club until 2026.
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