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Arsenal 'not interested in Ruben Neves, Douglas Luiz remains top target'

By Ben Sully | 26 November 2023

Arsenal reportedly have no interest in signing Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves as they prioritise a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal are reportedly not interested in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves as they prioritise a move for Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz.

Mikel Arteta's side are expected to sign a new midfielder in the winter transfer window, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

While Partey is expected to be out of action until the new year due to injury, he has also been linked with a move away in the January window.

Jorginho, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season, and it is currently unclear whether he will be offered a new deal.

As a result, Arsenal have been linked with a number of potential midfield targets, including former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Neves.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

The Portugal international made 177 Premier League appearances for the Midlands club, before he completed a £47m move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.

Since joining Al-Hilal in July, Neves has gone on to feature in 18 competitive matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Although Arsenal are one of a number of sides to have been linked with Neves, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the Gunners have no interest in signing the 26-year-old.

Instead, the Premier League leaders are set to focus their efforts on pursuing a deal to sign Luiz from Aston Villa.

Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz scores against Everton on August 20, 2023 © Reuters

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Brazil international, but they have been unsuccessful in their previous attempts to secure his signature.

With Luiz regarded as a key part of Unai Emery's squad, Arsenal will find it difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from Villa Park.

Prior to Sunday's meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, Luiz had made 19 appearances for Aston Villa during the 2023-24 campaign, contributing six goals and two assists.

The Brazilian, who completed a move from Manchester City in 2019, is under contract with the Villans until the summer of 2027.