Arsenal are not interested in a deal to sign Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal in January, with the club’s focus on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The north Londoners want to sign a central midfielder in the January transfer window and have been linked with a number of potential targets. Neves is a name who has been mentioned with the 26-year-old reportedly unhappy at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Portugal international joined Al-Hilal in a £47m transfer from Wolves last summer, but has been linked with a return to the Premier League. Newcastle have also been named as suitors for Neves, but Fabrizio Romano is reporting Arsenal are not considering the midfielder at this stage.
Arsenal are instead focused on Luiz, who has had an excellent start to the campaign at Aston Villa. The Brazil international, who was named as Villa’s Player of the Season in 2022/23, has scored five goals in 12 Premier League appearances for Unai Emery’s side, who are pushing for Champions League qualification.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old and made a bid to sign Luiz in the 2022 summer window. The Gunners are ready to renew efforts to sign Luiz in the new year, with Arteta keen to add depth to his midfield options.
Jorginho’s future is uncertain as he approaches the end of his contract at the Emirates, while Thomas Partey will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in January and has struggled with fitness issues this season.
