Arsenal 'really want' £52.5m Premier League star who is 'perfect' for them

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Premier League sides will be looking to bolster their squads to boost their chances in their respective season missions. Arsenal entered the international break in third place on 27 points, just one behind leaders Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta and his side will be seeking redemption after City snubbed them of the title last term, but it isn't just Pep Guardiola who they need to watch out for this time. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also hit the ground running, while Aston Villa are lurking outside the top four.

Arsenal will be looking to strengthen in January and there is one main transfer target who appears to be head and shoulders above anyone else on their wish list. Douglas Luiz has been on their radar for some time now and Fabrizio Romano has stressed just how firm their interest in the Brazilian is.

"I mentioned the name of Douglas Luiz last week as the top target for Arsenal, and I can confirm guys that Arsenal really, really want and appreciate Douglas Luiz," the transfer expert told CaughtOffside.

"He’s a player they’ve had on their list for more than two years, and Arsenal consider him the perfect midfielder for their way of playing, for his intensity and for the quality he can bring. So many different factors make him top of the list for Arsenal now."

However, Romano has confirmed that Villa have 'no intention' of cashing in on Luiz, who is under contract until 2026. The Brazilian has started every Premier League match under Unai Emery this season and has contributed five goals and an assist along the way.

As Villa are not entertaining the idea of selling up, no asking price has been reported, but Luiz does reportedly have a €60 million (£52.5m) release clause. Arsenal have high interest in bringing him to the Emirates but they are first looking to offload some of their own players in order to raise cash for new signings.