Arsenal’s midfield strategy is coming into focus, particularly with the decision not to pursue Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal and instead turning their attention towards Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal’s decision not to pursue Ruben Neves, formerly of Wolverhampton Wanderers and now at Al-Hilal, appears to be influenced by the player’s own choice to stay put.

This development comes amid a crucial transfer window for Arsenal, as they deal with uncertainties surrounding their midfield.

Thomas Partey’s injury troubles and potential January exit, combined with Jorginho’s contract nearing its end, has put Arsenal in a position where reinforcing their midfield was essential.

Neves, with his recent move to Al-Hilal and his reputation as a solid midfielder, emerged as a potential target for the Gunners.

However, despite the circulating rumours, it’s now clear that Arsenal won’t be signing Neves.

This decision seems to stem from Neves’ contentment at Al-Hilal and his lack of interest in moving.

Reports, including those from reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano, indicate that Arsenal hadn’t made a strong push for Neves, which suggests that the club was reacting to the player’s own preferences.

The focus at Arsenal has now apparently shifted to Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s interest in Luiz isn’t new, but previous attempts to sign him didn’t pan out. Luiz’s current form, with notable contributions to Aston Villa’s campaign, makes him an attractive option for Arsenal, especially given the situations with Partey and Jorginho.

While Arsenal may have found an alternative in Luiz, Neves’ situation is also worth noting.

The initial interest from Newcastle United, potentially on a loan deal, was initially complicated by proposed Premier League regulations regarding loans between clubs with common ownership.

With Al-Hilal and Newcastle sharing ownership ties, Arsenal momentarily appeared as a viable destination for Neves.

Yet, before any concrete moves could be made, it was reported that Neves had decided to stay in Saudi Arabia.

David Ornstein’s reporting further solidified the notion that Neves is not looking to leave Al-Hilal, regardless of the interest from Premier League clubs.

This aligns with Al-Hilal’s reluctance to sell a key player while they are performing well in their league and other competitions.

In summary, Arsenal’s decision not to sign Neves appears to be a response to the player’s own decision to remain at Al-Hilal rather than a proactive choice by the club. With Neves out of the picture, Arsenal’s attention is now firmly on Douglas Luiz, as they look to strengthen their midfield in a challenging transfer window.