A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of Douglas Luiz annoys Aston Villa and the Gunners identify their ‘perfect’ alternative midfield transfer target.
Arsenal annoy Aston Villa in their quest to sign Luiz
Midfield reinforcements are in high order for Arsenal after losing Thomas Partey for the rest of the year. Arteta is keen to improve his central options having now lost the Ghanaian twice this season to injury. He has required a procedure for a thigh problem sustained in training.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have identified Aston Villa star Luiz as their top target to replace Partey. But TEAMtalk notes the Villans will want at least £60m to sell the 25-year-old. The Gunners have also annoyed the Birmingham natives with their pursuit of his switch.
Aston Villa do not like how Arsenal have tried to convince Luiz to move to north London. The claret-and-blue club are determined to retain the cherry of Unai Emery’s eye. But he is open to joining a Champions League club and will find it hard to reject a move if one materialises.
Further reports by Football Transfers also note that Arsenal have held talks with Aston Villa about Luiz’s potential transfer. But Emery is determined to retain a key part of his plans. So, the Villans will demand an ‘extraordinary’ bid for a player who is under contract until 2026.
Read more about Arsenal’s pursuit of Luiz’s transfer from Aston Villa, here.
Arteta warns Ramsdale against considering a transfer
Arsenal boss Arteta has warned Aaron Ramsdale against making a rash decision to leave the north London team. The 25-year-old is no longer the Spaniard’s first-choice goalkeeper after losing his role to David Raya. He is also considering a move to protect his place for England.
“Making early decisions – in my experience – is not something good at all and, as well, because the team has certain needs that have to be accomplished,” Arteta said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “You need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team.”
Reports by TEAMtalk claim Ramsdale is open to leaving Arsenal as he fears missing out on a Euro 2024 call-up. Gareth Southgate has so far kept the shot-stopper in his teams despite falling out of favour at Emirates Stadium. But the Three Lions coach is not giving guarantees.
Read more about Arteta’s warning to Ramsdale about leaving Arsenal, here.
Arsenal believe Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi is ‘perfect’
Arsenal believe Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi may be the ‘perfect’ addition in the January transfer window. That is according to Romano, who reports that Gunners chiefs ‘really like’ the 24-year-old, who manager Arteta also rates very highly at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners boss has a raft of midfield options on his radar as the Spaniard feels light in the position. Arsenal are determined to solve the problem in January and could target a transfer from Real Sociedad for Zubimendi. But the two-cap Spain talent is very happy at the Anoeta.
Read more about Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi’s transfer from Real Sociedad, here.
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