Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal 'interest' in 'top' Premier League target as key update given

Arsenal are believed to be in the market to sign a central midfielder in the coming months amid reports of a potential January exit for Thomas Partey. Partey has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this season and has been absent for most of the campaign with injury.

The versatile Ghanaian, who played 33 league games last campaign, is not expected to return to the Arsenal squad until at least January, while reports suggest that the midfielder is considering a move away from the club to join Italian giants Juventus, during the winter window.

Mikel Arteta is expected to rectify this issue with further recruitment and is hoping to find a pivot to play alongside Declan Rice at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

Several outlets have linked the Gunners with a move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, who was close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2022. Luiz has been a key performer for the Villains in the Premier League for a number of years and is someone that Arteta has briefly worked with during his stint as assistant manager at Manchester City.

The Brazilian arrived at Villa in 2019 and has been a stalwart in the team with 151 league appearances and counting. Luiz is renowned for his brilliant defensive ability and energy in midfield, but in recent seasons he is also shown that he can add goals to his game. Last season he was awarded both the Supporter’s Player of the Season and Players Player of the Season as the club secured European football for the first time in over a decade.

The 25-year-old registered six goals and six assists last term in 36 appearances and is likely to eclipse that goal record this term with five in his opening 11 games. His form at Villa Park has warranted international recognition and he has made nine caps for the Brazil national team.

Luiz was the subject of three failed bids by Arsenal in 2022 - with the highest coming in at £25m. The midfielder has since signed a bumper contract extension at the West Midlands club which takes him until the summer of 2026, meaning his value will now be significantly higher.

However, Arsenal have not given up hope of signing Luiz, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer guru suggested the Gunners will revive their interest in the midfielder, but claimed he would not come cheap. He explains how Arsenal are preparing to look at the midfield market in January with Luiz one of their top options. However, Villa's desire to keep him will make any deal a difficult one.