Arsenal could prioritise signing a new midfielder in the January transfer window.
That is according to Gilberto Silva, the Gunners' former midfielder who has cited talks with sporting director Edu about the club's upcoming market approach.
Thomas Partey's injury has been a significant negative for Mikel Arteta in the first half of the season as Arsenal look to mount a fresh Premier League title challenge.
Standard Sport understand Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is again on their radar after previously signing a new contract in the West Midlands when Arsenal last made their interest known.
Silva, 47, has backed the club to act "fast" when the transfer window opens in six weeks' time to get their top target.
"I heard that they were maybe looking for some midfielders especially because of Partey being injured at times," he told the Mirror.
"I'm not sure if it's 100 percent going to happen but obviously, they have to be aware that this is a very short window and very specific.
"You have to be like a fisherman sometimes, to grab the right player that you really need that's going to help you to win games and to be useful for the rest of the season. Also to improve the way you play.
"It's not about sometimes bringing a player because you need [them]. Speaking to people there, Edu many times, they are working hard to have the data and what they think is right for the club in terms of targets.
"The market is very competitive as well, sometimes you have to be fast and not lose the opportunity."
