- 3 hours ago
Arsenal to reignite interest in transfer target
Tom Weber
- 22 Jul 2023 12:57 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal are ready to reignite their interest in Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz should Thomas Partey depart, according to a report.
The Gunners are long-time admirers of the Brazilian, having tried and failed to sign him last year. Now, they are prepared to give it another go, claims The Sun - but only if Thomas Partey leaves the Emirates.
Luiz signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa last October, set to keep him at the club until 2026, but that hasn't stopped Arsenal from exploring the possibility of making a move. The 25-year-old would be the Gunners' fourth summer arrival after the big-money signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined outlay well in excess of €200 million.
Mike Arteta has already hinted that Arsenal's summer business is not yet concluded. "There will be movement on the market still. There will be a lot of ins and outs. It’s still very early. If we can try to improve the team, we’ll do so. But we don’t want to get any weaker," Arteta said prior to the pre-season friendly against Manchester United.
The Spaniard also spoke about the future of Thomas Partey.
What did Arteta say?
Arteta assured the press that the Ghanaian was still firmly in his plans despite reports that he would be ready to sacrifice the 30-year-old should a suitable offer arrive. "Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me."
"I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure," he continued. "Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all."
EXCLUSIVE: Cherki holds Chelsea AND Tottenham talks
The arrival of Declan Rice has, on the surface, pushed Partey closer to the exit, with Juventus interested, but Arteta insists that the two "can play together. That was in my plans."
