Arsenal transfer stance revealed as deal for £60m star is not ‘realistic’

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Arsenal are looking for a midfielder in the January transfer window, but they may not be able to land their main target in Douglas Luiz.

It was recently revealed that Arsenal are targeting the Aston Villa star, whom they previously tried to sign a year ago, amidst Thomas Partey’s injury struggles.

Luiz has started the season superbly under Unai Emery, and could be a solution to help Declan Rice push further forward and solve Arsenal’s midfield issues, which has seen the team struggle to create chances since the departure of Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal deal for Douglas Luiz not realistic

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has now claimed that despite their heavy interest in the Brazilian, Arsenal are unlikely to sign Douglas Luiz in January.

“I totally think that Douglas Luiz is a good replacement to consider for Thomas Partey, there’s no doubt about that. I just think it’s unrealistic in January and I’m not even sure it’s realistic in the summer, given the way that Aston Villa are building at the moment, and how well he’s playing,” he stated.

“I think that the valuation around him too, you’re looking at upwards of £60m, that’s pretty difficult to achieve. From what I understand Arsenal in January are looking for cheaper players.”

Who could Arsenal target in January?

Arsenal have been linked with a variety of midfielders, with Luiz and Martin Zubimendi two proven options thriving in European football, as well as some lesser-known players.

Premium options such as the aforementioned pair may not be possible to recruit in the middle of the season, and Arsenal’s stance on signing cheaper players would likely prevent big-money deals for either.

Edu Gaspar has been scouting options in Brazil, with Fluminense midfielder Andre strongly linked, whilst young Sao Paolo star Pablo Maia has also emerged as an option.

Joao Neves of Benfica has also been linked, and it may appear that Arsenal are targeting younger players, who could be long-term options whilst also making an immediate impact.

It is clear that Arsenal need a younger midfielder. Despite Jorginho recently impressing at the base of midfield, the veteran’s future beyond the end of the season is unclear, and Rice could benefit from having a more mobile option to rotate with in games.

Kai Havertz’s disappointing form has meant that Arsenal face an issue in midfield which needs addressing as a priority, and although Luiz could be a great addition, it seems that Mikel Arteta will have to look elsewhere to strengthen his squad.