By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

4th Dec, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Arsenal will sign new midfielder

Arsenal have decided they will sign a new defensive midfielder in 2024 and a deal will happen, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Gunners will endeavour to boost their midfield options in the upcoming January window but are willing to wait until the summer for the right player.

Their desire to sign a new option comes despite spending a club-record £105million on England star Declan Rice just months ago.

Injuries to Thomas Partey have also reduced his role for Mikel Arteta’s side this season and Arsenal are now ready to add a first-class partner for Rice to their ranks.

Football Insider revealed last month (17 November) that Arsenal are “hell-bent” on landing Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz in the January window.

The Brazil international is a long-term target for Arteta and the Gunners have tried to sign him on multiple occasions.

Luiz is under contract at Villa Park until June 2026 and is playing the most impressive football of his career for Unai Emery’s side.

Meanwhile, three Arsenal midfielders could make way to clear a path for any new arrival.

Thomas Partey, who has made just four league appearances this term, is out of contract in June 2025 and has been widely linked with an exit.

Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho are both out of contract at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Football Insider revealed on Saturday (2 December) that Arsenal and Jorginho are ready to part ways when the midfielder’s contract ends.

Fabio Vieira, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz have all also played alongside Rice in the Gunners midfield this term.

In other news, Arsenal 25-year-old opens talks over new deal.