Arsenal reportedly believe a deal for Lyon 's Bruno Guimaraes will be too expensive this month as the loan for Juventus ' Arthur Melo edges ever closer.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield during the January transfer window with both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny currently away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations and Ainsley Maitland-Niles having joined Roma on loan for the rest of the season.
The north Londoners remain locked in talks with Juventus over a deal that would see Arthur join on a temporary basis, though reports in Italy claim the Bianconeri are looking to secure an 18-month loan.
The Serie A side are also believed to be reluctant to sanction a deal unless they find a replacement, with Lyon's Guimaraes linked, however, both Juventus and long-term admirers Arsenal appear to have been priced out of moves for the midfielder.
According to GOAL, a deal involving the Brazilian is deemed 'financially difficult', suggesting the 25-year-old is unlikely to leave France this month.
The midfielder joined Lyon in January 2020 on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense and has been a mainstay in Peter Bosz’s midfield ever since.
Guimaraes' current price tag reportedly stands at around €45m (£37.5m), which has added complications to the prospect of both Arsenal and Juventus following up their interest.
Despite concerns over a potential move for Lyon's Brazilian, the Gunners remain hopeful of concluding a deal for his Juventus-based compatriot.
Arthur's signing appears to be edging ever closer, especially following reports that the player's agent has arrived at Arsenal's training ground for further transfer talks.
GOAL claim that a deal is progressing well following a meeting in which technical director Edu sat down for discussions with Arthur's representative in north London.
Have Your Say! Who would be the better signing for Arsenal this month: Bruno Guimaraes or Arthur? Tell us your prediction here.
According to the report, Federico Pastorello travelled to Arsenal’s London Colney training base and arrived on Wednesday afternoon for the meeting.
Despite Juventus' apparent reluctance to sign off a deal until a replacement is found, there appears to be no hold up on the part of the player himself.
Mirror Football understands that Arteta has sold his vision to the 25-year-old and he is very much keen to join the club.
Arthur has been used sparingly by Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri so far this season, making a mere 14 appearances, though he has featured in each of the Old Lady's last four matches.
The Brazilian's career in Turin has, however, ultimately struggled to take off following his £72.5m move from Barcelona in the summer of 2020 and Arteta will be keen to get his career back on track.
Addressing the prospect of adding players to his squad this month, the Spaniard recently told reporters: "With the amount of things and the way we want to evolve the squad, we have to maximise every window in many different ways.
"We are alert. Edu and his team are working very hard because we know exactly what we need to do. Whether we can accomplish that in January or in the summer is a different question related to other stuff but we are there.
"If it is the right player and we can afford it and we can do what we want to do, we will discuss it and make the best possible decision. We are open."
