Fabrizio Romano has named Arsenal’s 'perfect' Thomas Partey replacement as midfielder undergoes surgery

Fabrizio Romano has named who Arsenal have identified as their ideal Thomas Partey replacement.

Partey will miss at least two months of action, including Arsenal’s busy festive period, after undergoing surgery to rectify a thigh injury.

The Gunners are currently unable to determine when Partey will be available to return to action, with the 30-year-old having made just four Premier League appearances this term.

In terms of Partey's return, Arsenal have also been dealt the added complication of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, though the Ghana international’s participation may be in serious doubt.

And according to transfer guru Romano Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is Arsenal’s top midfield target.

The player is allegedly considered by the club hierarchy as the “perfect midfielder” and a player they would love to sign.

Romano tweeted: “Arsenal are gonna look again into the midfielders market in January after Thomas Partey’s injury.

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

Romano also claimed that Arsenal are also interested in Martín Zubimendi. However, the Spaniard is reportedly keen to stay at Real Sociedad play in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Italian journalist added Zubimendi, who has a €60million (£52million) release clause, is not thinking of leaving the Spanish club.

Romano also added in his Caught Offside column that Partey’s immediate future remains at Arsenal, despite various reports over the past few months claiming the midfielder is unsettled.

Partey had been linked to a move to Serie A giants Juventus and the Saudi Pro League over the summer, having seen his role in the Gunners midfield diminish on account of the arrival of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

However, on the matter, Romano said: “I’m still told Mikel Arteta considers Thomas an important player. Despite recent reports from Italy that the Ghana international could look to leave.”

“Juventus were interested in Thomas Partey last summer. But then Arsenal decided to keep him. I’m not expecting big movements for Thomas in January.

“I’m told Juventus want more offensive players in midfield than Thomas.”