Arsenal have big plans to sign one of Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz in January but could fail in both pursuits.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal could potentially fail in their pursuits of Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi during the January window. The report states opposing views of both selling clubs could force the Gunners to retreat in these chases.
Arsenal are about to enter the January window with some progressive ideas and a vision of signing one or two top players. Mikel Arteta wants someone who could improve certain positions and put the Gunners into the bracket of challengers for the Premier League title.
The win over Burnley on Saturday took the Gunners level on points with Manchester City, and Arteta will want continuation in this regard. Many reports in the weeks leading to today have pointed towards the imminent arrival of a striker, with Ivan Toney one of their priority targets.
Some things have changed over the last week or so with the update on Thomas Partey’s injury, with the latest problem set to sideline the midfielder for 6-8 weeks. Despite the hope that a consultation with a specialist would drastically improve the Ghanaian’s prospects of staying fit for the second part of the season, the Gunners are already thinking of a succession plan.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE! 🚨 – Two Arsenal January signings collapse after offers submitted. 🛑
✍️: @SportsPeteO#AFC
Full story ⬇️— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) November 11, 2023
Arteta may have switched his target from a striker to a new midfielder who could compete with Partey from January onwards with the view of succeeding him. Arsenal considers Douglas Luiz their top January target, but there are complications leading up to the deal.
Some reports stated that Aston Villa would demand £60 million for the midfielder. Even if Arsenal agrees to pay the price, the Midlands side are not overly interested in letting one of their most essential stars leave mid-season. Other stories have suggested that Unai Emery’s side could offer him a new deal to fend off suitors.
While things would depend on the player, there are chances that Villa might again play a considerable role in blocking Luiz’s move to Arsenal. The north Londoners could face a similar problem when dealing with Real Sociedad for Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal are highly interested in Zubimendi and even scouted him during a recent Champions League game. The report states Sociedad have no interest in selling their key star during mid-season, especially when they are doing well in La Liga and the Champions League.
In Luiz’s case, Aston Villa have the power to stop any move, but in Zubimendi’s chase, the midfielder has a straightforward release clause. The only visible issue here is paying the exit clause in full, which is something Arsenal might face over structuring a longer term deal.
