Arsenal identify alternative transfer target to £100m Premier League star

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's backroom staff will be working tirelessly as the January transfer window looms ever closer. Who will the Gunners look to bring on board at this pivotal midpoint of the Premier League season?

Today, we'll be looking at two players who are identified as 'alternative' signings. While they are not Arsenal's first choice, they are both on their radar and could end up at the Emirates Stadium if the reports are to be believed.

Gunners looking at Pablo Maia as Douglas Luiz alternative

Arsenal's interest in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is well-documented at this point. However, his hefty price tag of around £100 million could put them off - instead, the Gunners may make a move for Sao Paulo starlet Pablo Maia.

This is according to a report from FootballTransfers, who report that Maia is a 'potential' January signing for Arsenal. While Maia does not have Douglas Luiz's defensive capabilities, he is an excellent passer of the ball and is still very young at just 21 years of age.

Arsenal remain interested in Victor Osimhen

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen - and their interest in the player still has not cool, according to David Ornstein That's not all - while Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Brentford's Ivan Toney in January, Ornstein believes it is 'unlikely' that the Gunners will sign him.

On the Daily Football Briefing, Ornstein said: "In terms of Arsenal, there will be those at Arsenal who like him [Ivan Toney], he will be on Arsenal’s list as others will be – Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Evan Ferguson, loads of other clubs have these same names on their lists, but if I was to give you my information at time of recording, I don’t think it’s likely Arsenal will be signing him."