Arsenal wants a “perfect midfielder,” according to Romano, but it will take “crazy” money to get him in January

Romano stated on his personal YouTube channel that the Brazilian is regarded as the  “perfect midfielder” by the Gunners but it will be very difficult to prise him away from Villa Park during the January transfer window:

“The top name, from what I’m hearing on Arsenal’s list is Douglas Luiz. The player was already on the list two years ago. Edu and others at the club really appreciate him, Douglas Luiz is considered the perfect midfielder by people at Arsenal, they would love to sign him and return on Douglas Luiz.”

“Only a crazy, huge, important proposal could be considered in January. If Arsenal want to go for their top target in January, they’ll need to invest a lot of money.”

Thomas Partey’s replacement?

With Partey undergoing surgery for a thigh injury that will keep him out until the New Year, it appears that Arsenal is planning to replace the Ghanaian international with Luiz.

Even if Partey regains fitness early in the new year, the London club may still consider selling him. He has a poor injury record since joining the Emirates three years ago, and his contract expires in January with only 18 months remaining. There have also been reports that the midfielder wants to leave, so now might be the time to let him go.

Luiz has already received three bids from Arsenal.

Luiz, as Romano mentions, has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. The Gunners made three attempts to sign him before the summer transfer window closed last year.

However, Aston Villa turned down the bids, and Luiz eventually signed a new contract. That means getting his signature will be even more difficult now.