Arsenal ready to sell Thomas Partey to land Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz in January – Paper Round

Arsenal are looking to land Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz this winter after having three bids rejected for him already.

In order to balance the books, the Mirror reports that the club will consider offers for their midfielder Thomas Partey, who has fallen down the pecking order.

“The Gunners are very much in the Premier League title race and went top on Saturday night but Mikel Arteta is already eyeing up how he can bolster his ranks. Partey was an integral figure last term but has struggled for fitness and will be absent in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Arsenal have a longstanding interest in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, who continues to impress for the Midlands club. The Brazilian has been the subject of three failed bids from Arsenal and it will take a mammoth offer to convince Villa to sell midseason.

“Declan Rice’s arrival lessens the need for Arteta to have Partey in his starting XI and a reshuffle could be on the cards, but it is very dependent on finances. Arsenal spent around £200 million in the summer on Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz while David Raya’s loan is expected to become permanent in the summer.”

Trevor Chalobah and Ian Maatsen are two potential players who could be on their way, as is Malang Sarr.

“Telegraph Sport understands that Chelsea are looking at making two or three first-team signings in the winter transfer window to boost head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad,” the story states.

‘But the club want to offset any signings with at least the same number of departures, so that Pochettino’s squad does not grow out of control.

“Trevoh Chalobah, who was a summer target of Bayern Munich, is expected to be sold, while Chelsea will again listen to offers for left-back Ian Maatsen, who turned down a move back to Burnley during the summer.

“Malang Sarr remains up for sale, while, depending on incoming business, the likes of striker Armando Broja and winger Noni Madueke could consider their immediate futures.

“There remains doubt over the long-term future of Conor Gallagher, although it is thought Pochettino would be against considering January bids for him and wants Chelsea to agree a new contract with the midfielder.

“In terms of positions Chelsea will look at strengthening, a top-class striker remains a priority, although the club would have to drastically alter their recent approach over wages to land Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, while defensive reinforcements could be considered.”

Thiago Silva may stay on at Chelsea for another year, but the club could instead bring in a new central defender given the 39-year-old’s advancing years.

The Evening Standard suggests that Fluminese could attempt to bring the player back to Brazil.

“Silva became Chelsea’s oldest-ever player on Saturday when he started against Newcastle aged 39 years and 64 days.

“But Chelsea are thought to be exploring potential centre-back signings in the next six months, having already spent big on Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.

“Brazilian club Fluminense are interested in a move for their former player. Silva’s wife, Belle, and sons, Iago and Isago, are likely to remain in Europe if he does return to Brazil.

Trevoh Chalobah is the only Chelsea player actively available for sale ahead of the January transfer window.

“Bayern Munich are now reluctant to move for Chalobah given he is expected to be out until at least January with a hamstring issue, diminishing his ability to make an impact on a short-term deal.”

Former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp is ready to consider a move to Wrexham, despite previously falling out with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney last season.

However The Sun suggests that the veteran forward could put that behind him if there is an offer.

“The well-travelled forward was club captain at Sheffield United last season as The Blades secured promotion back to the Premier League.

“During that campaign, Sharp and Blades were drawn against Wrexham in the FA Cup fourth round.

“Having drawn 3-3 in Wales, United eventually triumphed 3-1 in the replay with the veteran getting on the scoresheet.

“But he hit the headlines after the game when he said Wrexham had been “disrespectful” in the build-up to the game and appeared to be “thinking they were already through”.

“He joined LA Galaxy on a two-month deal in August and scored six times in 12 appearances before finding himself unemployed again.

“However, despite the past remarks between himself and Reynolds and McElhenney, Sharp says he would consider a transfer to Wrexham if they got in touch.”