Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering options for the January transfer window to strengthen Arsenal's squad for the second half of the 2023/24 season. Despite a good start to the season, Arteta is mindful of the squad depth issues that affected them in the previous campaign.
Injuries to key players and limited rotation options highlighted the shortcomings of the squad. The Mirror has reported that Arsenal are targeting reinforcements for their midfield in January, with Declan Rice being the only player not currently sidelined with injuries among Arteta's preferred midfield trio.
According to John Cross via The Mirror, Arteta's main target for the deep midfield position is Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, whom the club failed to sign in the previous summer. Luiz's current market value is €60m (£52m), but his importance to Aston Villa and a new contract signed in October 2022 could increase his cost.
Another potential midfield target is former Wolves player Ruben Neves, who is currently with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Arsenal may challenge Newcastle United for the 26-year-old's signature, with the possibility of a loan deal after just five months in Saudi Arabia.
Regarded as a skilled ball striker and excellent passer, the Portuguese international with 44 caps was praised by journalist Steve Madeley, who described him as being "on another planet" than his teammates during his time at Molineux.
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