Romano was talking about some recent connections between Arsenal and Ruben Neves on “The Here We Go Podcast.”
Romano acknowledged that Mikel Arteta was a huge admirer of the Portuguese international, but he didn’t believe the player was at the top of his want list.
Rather, Romano continued to believe that Arsenal would be most likely to go for Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa.
“I think these rumors were around because [Mikel] Arteta has always been a big fan of Ruben Neves since he was at Wolves,” he stated in reference to the numerous rumors that circulated about Arsenal regarding the player.
“Although Mikel Arteta has always valued him as a player, I understand that Arsenal still views Douglas Luiz as their best midfield option.”
Naturally, £15 million The superb skill set that Luiz possesses was once again evident in Villa’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.
And if there’s any way to endear yourself to Arsenal fans, taking three points their rivals is a good start.
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal’s priority midfielder would still be Douglas Luiz
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was actually questioned on Luiz’s future following his brilliant assist in the win.
It would seem a very difficult signing for Arsenal to make in the immediate future, a player who is well settled in an exciting project.
And for that matter, Ruben Neves is also said to be unavailable in January via reliable reports.
Moreover, despite Romano’s update on Arsenal seeking a midfielder, it wouldn’t be a surprise if no one was recruited in January.
Arteta and Edu Gaspar are known to prefer to conduct the bulk of their business in the summer – and it could be a situation revisited then.
It does seem as if Arsenal will push through to January when Thomas Partey is then expected to return from injury.
And that situation only seems likely to change if there is then movement with Partey’s future.