Three Premier League stars on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s shortlist of targets

Just as Arsenal seemed to finally be getting their season on track, a poor run of form seems to have put Mikel Arteta back at square one. 

A month ago, the Gunners boss had masterminded a run of five successive wins by an aggregate score of 19-2, and the North Londoners were firmly in the mix for a place in the top four.

Since Christmas, however, things have taken a turn for the worse, with the Gunners winless in the league and also exiting both domestic cup competitions, eliminating any chance of silverware this term.

It seems that his side’s poor form has also spurred Arteta on to seek reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut next week.

According to The Athletic, the Spaniard has drawn up a shortlist of targets, which includes a trio of Premier League stars.

The report suggests that Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz are being considered by Arsenal as potential targets in midfield.

Arsenal are pondering a move for Villa’s Douglas Luiz

The Gunners have been without Mohamed Elneny, who has been on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, and Thomas Partey made an instant impact on his return from the competition by being sent off minutes after being substituted in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Granit Xhaka has also served a suspension having been given his marching orders in the first leg of the tie, meaning that Arteta has been made well aware of his midfield issues.

The former Everton player also has been experiencing problems in attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang yet to play since being stripped of the captaincy.

The Gabon international is expected to leave the club this month, as too is Eddie Nketiah, which would leave Arteta with only Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette as striking options.

Arteta has therefore identified Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential option to improve his side’s threat ahead of the final months of the campaign.

The Englishman has struggled with injuries this season, but has still scored three times in six league appearances.