Arsenal consider 'perfect' transfer as Thomas Partey exit route emerges

Arsenal are said to consider Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz as the "perfect midfielder" as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad in the January transfer window. Thomas Partey's future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain with Juventus among the clubs interested in signing the 30-year-old.

The Ghana international has struggled with injuries so far this season and the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer has seen Partey fall down the pecking order under Arteta. Partey has played just 15 minutes since August and last week had a procedure on a thigh injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of 2023.

The 30-year-old is then likely to join up with the Ghana squad for the African Cup of Nations which could see him miss a further month of football. This has led to speculation that Arsenal could cash in on Partey in January and reinvest the funds gained into a new midfield signing.

football.london understands that one of the players they are looking at is Martin Zubimendi and the Spanish international has been of interest for a while now. Zubimendi has a €60million (£52million) release clause in his contract, however, it is thought that he is happy at Real Sociedad and not looking to move in January - as things stand.

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is another player reportedly on the Gunners' radar ahead of January. The Brazilian was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last year, but after having two bids rejected by Villa - Luiz stayed with the club and signed a new long-term contract.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that the Villa star has been on Arsenal's transfer list for more than two years and that he is "top target" for the club. Arsenal are keen to sign a new midfielder in the new year given the injuries to Partey and Luiz is said to be regarded as the "perfect midfielder," while his "many different factors" make him "top of the list" for Arteta.Romano added that a potential move is being "discussed internally" but it remains to be seen whether they will tempt Villa with a significant offer. Luiz has been crucial to Unai Emery's side so far this season and it would need to take a huge offer to tempt the top four challengers to consider selling the Brazilian.

Juventus are said to be considering a potential loan move to sign Partey for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign - as per reports in Italy - but Arsenal may prefer a permanent exit. The Gunners need to sell before they can buy players in January in order to abide Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.