Football Insider has been informed by sources that Arsenal is unlikely to be successful in their January attempts to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi or Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa.
The Gunners have long admired the midfield duo and may make a move in January to sign a new defensive midfield player.
Mikel Arteta has had both players on his list of targets for the past eighteen months due to their high ratings at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal had multiple offers for Luiz, 25, rejected in 2022.
The Brazil international is out of contract at Aston Villa in 2026 and has enjoyed the best form of his career at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
But as revealed by Football Insider last month (27 October), Luiz is a key man at Villa Park and the Midlands giants are unwilling to lose him mid-season.
This season, the former Manchester City player has made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
Having earned nine caps for his country, he is included in the squad for this month’s matches against Argentina and Colombia.
In the meantime, because of his stellar performance for Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is also wanted by Arsenal.
San Sebastian has a contract with the 24-year-old that runs through June 2027.
Despite his lack of goals and assists in 17 games this season, Sociedad is reluctant to let him go midseason given their success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Arsenal’s interest in a defensive midfielder comes after news of another injury for Thomas Partey.
Arteta has confirmed the Ghana international, who is likely to go to the African Cup of Nations in the new year, faces weeks on the sidelines after undergoing a thigh procedure.
In other news, defender set to land big Arsenal pay hike as new deal close.
Be the first to comment