Arsenal boss Arteta ‘wants to believe’ Saka is OK
Arsenal’s priority in the January transfer window is to bolster his midfield ranks, rather than addressing his lack of a top-quality No 9. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is said to be the Gunners top target, having aggressively pushed to sign the playmaker during the summer transfer window.
Following their second-place finish last season, Mikel Arteta was keen to ensure that complacency did not slip into his ranks. As such, the Spaniard pushed for new recruits in all departments, with Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, David Raya and Kai Havertz being purchased throughout the summer to improve his squad.
Arsenal will need to continue their spending spree in the January transfer window if they are to push for the title this season though. The Gunners have made a strong start to the campaign, though their lack of a focal point in the final third has raised questions about whether they can close the gap on Manchester City with their current team.
The higher powers at the Emirates Stadium hold a similar view and are scouring the market for a new striker, with Brentford star Ivan Toney the likeliest contender to be pursued despite his reported £100million price tag. However, Fabrizio Romano reports that signing a striker is not the priority in north London.
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He claims that Arsenal are desperate to bolster their midfield ranks during the winter, following the news that Thomas Partey has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Villa playmaker Luiz has therefore become their top target, having seen three bids rejected for the ex-City star late in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners’ top bid reached £25m, though his price tag is expected to have soared since as Luiz signed a contract extension at Villa Park in October.
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Arsenal sporting director Edu is said to be a huge admirer of the 25-year-old and feels that he is the ‘perfect midfielder’ for Arteta’s system and for what is demanded of those in the centre of the park.
The Gunners may be forced to fork out an enormous fee though if they are to sign Luiz as Villa have no intention of parting ways with their No 6 any time soon and were hopeful that his new contract would deter interest for the foreseeable future. With Unai Emery hoping to guide the club to consecutive European finishes, losing Luiz midway through the season would be a huge blow and as such, Villa will only entertain ‘crazy’ proposals.
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