Ruben Neves and Douglas Luiz are two midfielders who have been linked with a move to Arsenal for much of the last few months.
The Gunners pursued Neves for most of his time in England, but he moved to Saudi Arabia this season.
The Portuguese star has been linked with a return to the Premier League in January, and Mikel Arteta’s side is reportedly eager to beat Newcastle United to add him to their squad.
However, Luiz has also been on the Gunners’ radar, and it now seems they have to choose between the two midfielders.
Fabrizio Romano has now reacted to the transfer rumours and confirmed which of the two players Arsenal truly wants.
“The top target is Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“There is nothing with Ruben Neves despite rumours.
“But for Douglas Luiz, from my understanding, it’s not an easy deal. Arsenal will try, Arsenal dream of him, but it’s not something concrete.
“So let’s see what’s going to happen because it’s not an easy negotiation with Aston Villa at all.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Neves and Luiz are top midfielders, and we have made a good choice to focus on a transfer for Luiz.
He is still playing in England and proves every week why we need him in our group.
But Villa is an ambitious club, and we do not expect them to allow us to sign Luiz easily.
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Signing DLuiz doesn’t look realistic why would Villa want to let him go? If at all can Arsenal pay what will be required? My Answer is NO. There are still good midfielder that could be cheaper.ie Yousuff Fofana Monaco and other ones
Agree, can see us wasting time chasing him in January and ending up with no one
Not interested in any of those two.
This January window will be a midfielders market, surely we should be able to get someone of worth, just don’t leave the hands on the purse string.
It is good that Arsenal have identified their targets early. They alone know what they are looking for and i wish them luck. Yes, Luiz may be difficult, as Villa are ambitious and Emery wouldn’t want Arsenal to hurt him again.
But Arsenal must not buy for the sake of buying. If we must compete against City, Liverpool, Newcastle & Tottenham, we do not just need numbers but qualty. I repeat, only Arteta knows the quality he’s looking for.
We wont get Douglas Luiz , so better we change directions,
Last January made alot of sense with Trossard and Jorginho, I’m hoping Arteta does better this time, we need game changers.