Arsenal are ready to offload Thomas Partey in January as they target new faces to strengthen their squad in the New Year.

Although the Gunners are leading the Premier League after their victory on Saturday night, Mikel Arteta is already considering ways to bolster his team. Partey was a key player in the previous term, but he has struggled with fitness and will miss the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Douglas Luiz, who is still making an impression for Aston Villa, has long piqued Arsenal’s interest. Arsenal has made three unsuccessful attempts to acquire the Brazilian, so it will require a huge offer to persuade Villa to let him go in the middle of the season.

According to ESPN, the Emirates are amenable to Partey leaving, something they also entertained during the summer. Although no appropriate offers came in at the time, Juventus is rumored to be admiring the Ghanaian midfield player and may try to sign him.

With Declan Rice’s arrival, Arteta may not need to start Partey in his starting lineup, and a change of formation may be in order—but this will largely depend on funding. Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz cost Arsenal over £200 million in the summer, and David Raya’s loan is anticipated to end in the summer.

It indicates that while they adhere to financial restrictions, the residents of north London are operating on a limited budget. A bid for Luiz, who recently signed a contract at Villa Park tying him down until 2026, may benefit from Partey’s sale. Luiz is not for sale, according to Villa manager Unai Emery, a former Arsenal player. “He is a very important player but is also very happy here so of course we want to keep him,” Emery said.

Douglas Luiz has been a standout performer for Aston Villa

Arteta could also chose to pursue other areas of his squad. Pedro Neto at Wolves is a proven performer in the top flight and the winger would add more dynamism and depth to the squad with Arsenal heavily reliant on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney also remains a target as he edges closer to a playing return following his gambling ban. The striker has long been tipped for a move to a top-six side, but he will not come cheap and the Bees are determined to hold out until the summer before entertaining bids.