Arsenal have now identified their ideal replacement for Thomas Partey, but will face competition for his signature this summer.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield contingent at Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners need greater depth in the middle of the park. Mohamed Elneny is leaving the club, Jorginho is in the twilight years of his career, and there is doubt over the future of Thomas Partey.
Partey once again endured an injury hit campaign this time around. He featured regularly in the final weeks of the campaign, but is arguably no longer the player he once was. In any case, the time has now come for Arsenal to move on from Partey.
Arteta cannot rely upon the 30-year-old to be fit and available when needed, and he has become a drain on the North London club’s resources. The former Atletico Madrid man would need replacing in the squad though.
Arsenal keen to beat Liverpool to Thomas Partey upgrade Douglas Luiz
According to TuttoJuve, Arsenal have now identified Douglas Luiz as the ideal man to take up Partey’s position in the team. Aston Villa are expected to demand at least £60 million in exchange for the Brazilian ace, who is also wanted by Liverpool and Juventus.
The Gunners have been eyeing up the 26-year-old for some time. Luiz has previously been described as a “dream” signing for Arteta, and it is easy to see why. He is a combative and aggressive presence in the middle of the park, but is also supremely technically gifted, can provide a creative outlet, and even boasts an eye for goal.
Why Douglas Luiz would feel at home at Arsenal
The 13-cap Brazil international has plenty of Premier League experience, having established himself as a star at Villa Park over the last five seasons. He also shares a national team dressing room with Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhaes, meaning he would find familiar faces at the Emirates Stadium.
Unai Emery would be reluctant to let Luiz leave Villa Park, and having just achieved Champions League qualification with the Midlands outfit the player himself may be keen to remain where he is. However, he will surely also be tempted to join a club who look set for another Premier League title push.
If Arsenal can find a way to prise Luiz away from Aston Villa, and can strike such a deal ahead of Liverpool and Juventus, then Arteta will bring in the ideal Partey replacement.