By Wayne Veysey

17th Nov, 2023 | 7:00am

Revealed: Arsenal 'hell bent' on signing Douglas Luiz in January - sources

Arsenal are set to push hard to try and get a deal over the line for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Thursday (16 November) that Gunners chiefs are ready to back manager Mikel Arteta with a new £50million+ signing in the January window.

Midfield is the priority for Arsenal amid questions over Thomas Partey’s long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

And it is believed Luiz, 25, is their top target in that role as the mid-season window approaches.

A well-placed Arsenal source has told Football Insider that Arteta and recruitment chiefs are “hell-bent on getting” the Brazil international in January.

Luiz has been a key part of Aston Villa’s success as their stellar early-season form continues.

Unai Emery, former Gunners boss, has his side sitting fifth in the table and just three points adrift of leaders Man City.

And Arsenal’s top target has been key to that, notching five Premier League goals and one assist in 12 top-flight games.

He has also starred for Villa in the Europa Conference League.

Luiz is under contract at the Midlands club until June 2026 after penning his latest extension last year (2022).

Football Insider revealed last month (29 October) that Aston Villa are preparing to open contract talks with the midfielder in the new year.

As well as Partey, the futures of midfielders Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are up in the air – with their contracts set to expire at the end of this season.

Arsenal sit third in the Premier League, just a point behind City.

Arteta’s side are in control of their Champions League group and can secure safe passage to the knockout stage with a win over Lens on 29 November.

In other news, Arsenal response to Chelsea swoop for star man revealed.