Arsenal Transfer News: Mikel Arteta draws up his top Premier League targets

While the Premier League might make its return this weekend, all of England’s elite will certainly have one eye on the January transfer window.

With a host of Premier League stars set for a month-long break in January as the African Cup of Nations gets underway, many are expecting what could be a record-breaking transfer window.

Dreaming of the chance to mount another genuine domestic title charge this season and sitting in pole position to punch their Champions League knockout stage ticket, Arsenal are reportedly putting the final touches to their January wishlist.

Breaking the bank over the summer as they recruited the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, we have taken a look at some of the top-flight superstars that could be on their way to the Emirates.

Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa

With former Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey set for another spell on the sidelines following his latest muscle injury, it has been widely suggested that Mikel Arteta has midfield reinforcements at the top of his January list.

While the Gunners might have eventually failed in their bid to bring Douglas Luiz to north London last season, it appears that the Premier League title contenders have their sights set on launching another bid.

With Aston Villa enjoying what has quickly become a history-making rise under ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery, Luis has certainly played a leading role in Villa’s top-four charge.

Already notching five Premier League goals from his first 12 appearances this season, the one-time Manchester City starlet reportedly has a string of admirers around the Emirates.

While Luiz might have only signed a new long-term deal with Villa last year, Arsenal still remain keen on testing the waters when the January transfer window opens up.

Previously keen on securing a move to the Emirates last year, the Gunners could be confident of striking a shock deal for the Brazilian midfielder.

🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are gonna look again into the midfielders market in January after Thomas injury.

Understand Douglas Luiz remains the fav option in #AFC list since long time, Arsenal love him but ambitious #AVFC want to keep Douglas. Not easy.

🎥 More: https://t.co/gIzF5U3XI7 pic.twitter.com/ueq08pwthB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2023

Ivan Toney – Brentford

While Gabriel Jesus might have overcome a recent injury issue during November’s international break, it is no secret that Arsenal fans are desperate to see a new striking option arrive at the Emirates during the January transfer window.

Although Ivan Toney might still be serving an eight-month suspension following his involvement in breaking FA betting rules, the England international is free to make his Premier League return on January 17th, 2024.

Despite not featuring for Brentford across any competition this season, the former Peterborough marksman has quickly cemented his spot as one of the Premier League’s elite finishers.

Gaining a string of plaudits last season after registering 20 top-flight strikes with the Bees, Toney certainly has a string of English heavyweights that are keen on attempting a January swoop.

While London rivals Chelsea might have also been linked with a blockbuster move for Brentford’s attacking talisman, it has been suggested that Arteta feels Toney is the missing piece in their bid to claim a first domestic crown since 2004.

🚨 England hitman Ivan Toney is torn over a January move from Brentford.

Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature this winter.

(Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/BxY6Kz9X5S

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 18, 2023

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City

While it might appear that Luiz is Arteta’s key midfield target during the January transfer window, it has been reported that the Gunners are keeping tabs on another Premier League superstar.

Although Kalvin Phillips might have only arrived at Manchester City last year in a £45million deal, the former Leeds ace finds himself at the heart of what has quickly become an Etihad nightmare.

Drastically failing to dethrone Rodri at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s midfield, the England international has not made a single Premier League start this season.

Desperate to kickstart his career away from the blue half of Manchester, Phillips has likely accepted that he will be on his way out once the January transfer window gets underway.

Although the 27-year-old might have been subject to reported interest from Italian icons Juventus, it has been suggested that Arteta is keen on handing Phillips a north London lifeline.

With Manchester City looking to cash in on the 31-cap England international, Phillips would jump at the opportunity for a fresh start in the capital.

🔵 Kalvin Phillips, expected to leave in January.

Guardiola: “Kalvin , exceptional in many things. Why he doesn’t play? Rodri, key for us…”.

“Never, ever makes one action against mates that play, or a bad face, training bad. I’d love to give him as much minutes as possible”. pic.twitter.com/rPTA41rUfA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 6, 2023